Nearly 20 barbeque pitmasters from the Southeast region will be competing against each other in the first annual Lori’s Ace BBQ Battle on Saturday, May 18.

The competition will be held at Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware, 2800 Raeford Road in Fayetteville.

Sanctioned by the Southern BBQ Network, the event is open to the public between 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. for tasting. Customers can purchase tickets the day of the event for $10, with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Autism Society of Cumberland County.

“You’ll get to sample a vast array of competition BBQ while helping an important community organization – I can’t think of a better combination,” said Lori Tracy Stobbe, co-owner of Lori’s Ace Home & Hardware in a press release. “It’s going to be a fun day for everyone.”

The barbeque competitors will be cooking pork butts and ribs for the event with separate judging for each item by the Southern BBQ Network. The Grand Champion will receive $1,000 and a trophy.

As a top grilling destination in Fayetteville, Lori’s Ace offers grills, accessories, sauces and rubs with a focus on quality and education to help the consumer find the best fit. The store also provides free assembly and delivery on most grills.

Lori’s Ace is open seven days a week. Interested attendees can call  910-900-4455 for more information.