Is there a saying that competitive barbecue cooks are some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet?

If there isn’t, I’m coining it now, because it is so true.

I was walking along the Flint River Friday afternoon with my camera, looking for people to interview for the story that is published on the front page of this newspaper. I probably talked to five to six different teams from all over the country. It’s amazing how far people are traveling to cook their barbecue in Bainbridge.

Every single person I met with was kind, engaging and incredibly generous. I even made away with some free bottles of signature barbecue sauce that I can’t wait to try. My chicken or ribs probably wouldn’t be able to compete with these guys, but I think their secret sauces will make mine taste that much better.

If you haven’t seen what’s going on at the Flames on the Flint BBQ Cook Off before, this is the year to get down there and check it out. The fat $50,000 purse, $10,000 of which is going to the Grand Champion, has drawn some of the best barbecue competitors the world has to offer.

The smell alone of what these guys are cooking knocks me off my feet every time they open their smokers.

The cook off might be the main attraction, but there is also a world of other attractions going on with River Town Days. Every type of fair food and ride is out at the Earle May Boat Basin for you and kids to enjoy.

All sorts of live music will be playing throughout the day, and plenty of vendors will have their tents set up for you to peruse and shop.

Also, we at The Post-Searchlight are doing something special this year. A huge front page display of the newspaper is set up near the vendors where you can take your picture and look like you’re the feature story. If you tag that picture and follow us on Instagram, you will be entered into a contest to win a 20 quart Yeti cooler. We will randomly select a winner Monday. Pretty awesome, right?

It’s one of the biggest weekends of the year in Bainbridge, and it’d be a shame to miss out on all the fun. Head down there Saturday starting at 10 a.m. to see what’s going on!