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Dinosaur Bar-B-Que's Tres Ninos plate.

(Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Clinton Square's about to become a giant smoke pit.

On Saturday, May 16 (Armed Forces Day), the first Salt City BBQ Festival will bring more than 20 barbecue teams from across the country to compete in a nationally-sanctioned BBQ competition.

Competition aside, the festival will also feature local barbecue food and drinks for sale, eight bands playing live music, vendors and access to veteran service agencies.

This event is a fundraiser for Phoenix Philosophies, a local 501(c)(3) charity which purchases and renovates homes for homeless veterans in Syracuse.

Phoenix Philosophies wants to convert this house on West Colvin Street into a homeless shelter.

"We're not only refurbishing homes and keeping neighborhoods intact, but we're trying to get properties back on the tax rolls," said Phoenix president Eileen Carr.

Phoenix Philosophies acquires and renovates tax delinquent and neglected properties primarily in the South, West and Southwest areas of Syracuse. The foundation aims to help people and properties "rise from the ashes" like a phoenix.

Carr hopes the festival will become an annual event so Phoenix can finish siding on a property at 301 West Colvin St. The project will house single military vets.

The festival is free to attend. Phoenix Philosophies will raise proceeds through local barbecue sales, raffles and beverage sales (wine slushies, Coors Light on tap, Ashley Lynn Wines and Thousand Islands Winery).

Kansas City Barbeque Society competition

On Saturday, Kansas City Barbeque[sic] Society will host a national barbecue competition at the festival. KCBS sanctions over 450 barbecue contests worldwide. Teams (hailing from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, etc.) had to pay at least $200 for cooking space in Clinton Square.

Teams compete for money, trophies and the opportunity to move on to the annual Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue next fall in Lynchburg, Tenn.

Kevin Morrissey, owner of Mo's Pit Barbecue in Camillus, shows how to deep fry a turkey.

At least six KCBS judges from New York, Pennsylvania and Canada will attend to sample entries from the national competitors.

Every team is eligible to enter barbecue in four categories: chicken, pork, ribs and beef brisket. The grand champion will be crowned at 4 p.m.

Participating teams to date include Slow & Low Bar-B-Que, Three Dogs BBQ, Red Valley BBQ, Good Smoke BBQ, Mort's Meat Mafia, Pig Iron BBQ, Valley Smoke BBQ, Kiss MY BBQ, Galloway's BBQ, Rodfather's BBQ, MP BBQ, Priorville, Hoof-N-Hog Smokers, The Smoking Dutchmen, Just 4 Fun BBQ, Big Awesome BBQ, Three Men and a Baby Back, General Joe's BBQ, Smoking Barrels BBQ and Big Belly BBQ.

Jeffrey "Cooter" Coons.

People's Choice Award

The public may not sample from the KCBS competition because the national competitors do not have New York State health permits.

However, anyone can sample and vote for their favorite local barbecue stand by voting in the Jeffrey "Cooter" Coon People's Choice Award. Eligible stands (so far) include Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Galloway's BBQ, Mo's Pit BBQ, Big Belly BBQ, Destiny BBQ and Smoking Barrels BBQ.

Jeffrey Coon was a longtime executive chef and managing partner of Brooklyn's Dinosaur Bar-B-Que before he suddenly died in 2013.

"He was quite a presence," Carr said. "He was also a Marine and this festival will help veterans and veteran service providers."

Music lineup

11:15-12:15 p.m. -- Mattydale Music Collective

12:40-1:40 p.m. -- The Measure

2-3:15 p.m. -- El Kabong Rides Again

3:40-4:55 p.m. -- Brickyard Road

4:55-5:15 p.m. -- KCBS Competition BBQ Awards announced

5:15-6:15 p.m. -- Steve Wolf Blues Express

6:40-7:55 p.m. -- Groupo Pagan

8:15-9:20 p.m. -- Electric Mud

9:40-10:55 p.m. -- Rhythm Method

2015 Salt City BBQ Festival

Where:

Clinton Square.

When:

Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

How much:

Free to attend. Food and drinks for sale.

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