Planning is moving forward for the “Smoke on the Water” barbecue contest set for September at Rocky Fork Lake, according to Highland County Board of Commissioners President Shane Wilkin.

Destiny Bryson, executive director of the Highland County Visitors Bureau, said last week that the new event, set to be held Sept. 23 at the overlook at Rocky Fork Lake, is sanctioned through the Kansas City Barbecue Society, and will feature professional barbecue teams competing for a shot at the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational.

Wilkin, who helped spearhead the effort, said Wednesday planners have heard from several barbecue teams wanting to apply for the contest, and have been in talks with possible sponsors for the event.

“I think it’s going to be a good, fun, interesting event,” Wilkin said.

Currently, Wilkin said, coordinators are estimating how many cooking teams the area might hold, since some will most likely want a 40-by-60-foot space for campers, smokers and other equipment.

Commissioners also declared the month of May Older Americans Month, passed routine financial resolutions and announced that their regular meeting, originally scheduled for Wednesday, June 7, will instead be held Friday, June 9.

Reach David Wright at 937-402-2570, or on Twitter @DavidWrighter.