The smells and sights of smoke next Thursday lingering east of downtown Lubbock next Thursday should be no cause for alarm - just for napkins.

The Lubbock Chamber of Commerce will host its 22nd annual Hub City BBQ Cookoff, presented by West Texas Land Guys, from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6 at the South Plains Fairgrounds at Broadway and Avenue A.

The cookoff will feature at least 92 teams competing for the titles of best brisket, ribs, a mystery challenge, and more, according to Cathy Potter, vice president of programs and events with the chamber.

The annual event serves as an opportunity for Lubbock-area business owners and employees to network while having fun.

When the competition concludes, gates will open for attendees to sample barbecue and enjoy other foods, refreshments, and live music.

This year’s event will feature music from Grant Gilbert and Chandler Pearson.

The event had long been hosted in downtown Lubbock, but in recent years has been held at the fairgrounds to better accommodate the large-scale operation and thousands of participants who regularly attend.

Tickets are on sale now and must be purchased before the event. Tickets will not be sold at the gates. They can be purchased for $45 at www.HubCityBBQ.com or at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, 1500 Broadway, Ste. 101.

The event will be enforcing a clear bag policy this year.

A limited number of sponsorships and cooking teams are still available. Contact Rachel McMillan at (806) 761-7000 or Rachel.McMillan@lubbockbiz.org for more information.

For more information regarding the Hub City BBQ Cookoff and other upcoming events please follow the Chamber on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Lubbock Chamber preparing for 22nd Hub City BBQ Cookoff