News 12 at 11 o'clock, May 8, 2009

WAYNESBORO, Ga.--- Waynesboro is working on it's very own economic stimulus plan in the form of bar-b-que.

This weekend is the 4th annual Boss Hog Cook-Off. It's a competition that brings in cooks from as far away as Florida and Texas. It's a chance for them to show off and for Waynesboro to cash in.

This weekend they expect thousands will come spend some time and money in Waynesboro. It's all about good food, good fun, and good business.

Dustin Rodgers drove over two-hundred miles from White, Georgia to show off his bar-b-que skills in good 'ole Waynesboro this weekend.

"These small towns like this are the best place to have these kinds of competitions. The town comes out to support it. Usually you'll have a good crowd, everybody in the town knows about it. I like the small town setting," says Dustin Rodgers.

The Boss Hog Cook-Off brings thousands from all over the Southeast. This year one of the 36 teams came from as far away as Houston, Texas.

It's getting national attention, and the locals love it. "It's a big event for Waynesboro, being a small town. There's a lot of activity going on and a lot of good food. It's just a big deal for Waynesboro," says Peggy Rollins of Waynesboro.

Its a weekend for all ages but organizers hope local businesses are cashing in on all the attention.

"With a community of 6,000 people, when you add 3,000 to it they're obviously going to feel the effects. So I definitely think this is great for our town and a great opportunity and we need to take advantage of it," says organizer Nan Lynch with the Downtown Organization of Retailers.

"All these people are here, staying, spending money enjoying what Burke County has to offer," says Rollins.

And while he's making his bar-b-que wings, Dustin is also doing his part to help out the economy. "We've been to Wal-Mart a couple times already and the Bi-Lo, you know, you get here and you always need something," says Dustin.

The best wings may carry a cash prize, but the folks in Waynesboro are keeping their fingers crossed people like what they see, and taste, and come back for more.

Friday was the wing competition but if you missed out don't worry -- there are plenty of events going on all day Saturday.

Gates open at 10:30 and close at 5:00. There will live entertainment just about all day and competitions in best bar-b-que chicken, ribs, pork, and beef brisket. Winners will be announced at 4:00. The cook-off is located off Highway 56, just north of downtown.