The Rotary Club-sponsored Silicon Valley Barbeque Championships are back at Central Park in Santa Clara with slow-smoked meats, hot music and shaded beer tents.

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Berkeley first in U.S. to ban junk food in checkout lane The big day is Saturday, June 24, when professional teams will compete, and many of them will sell tastes to the public. The 11 a.m.-8 p.m. event also will feature a Food Alley with barbecue platters from local restaurants and a live demo by Big Poppa Smokers’ Sterling Ball.

Today, Friday, June 23, you can chat up the pitmasters from 4 to 10 p.m. and get some tips from them on cooking low and slow. People’s choice samples will be available, and the food court will be open. Live music is planned from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

A record-high 63 pro teams from California, Nevada, Arizona and Kansas will vie for Kansas City Barbeque Society points, making this one of the largest competitions on the West Coast. Nearly 30 backyard teams will be sharpening their skills in the amateur competition. New this year is a Santa Clara city competition with four city teams competing for the Mayor’s Cup.

All proceeds from the event go to Rotary Foundation projects, including Christmas for Kids, Steps for Success, scholarships and veterans programs

Details: Central Park, Santa Clara; free admission; premium parking, $10; www.svbbq.com.