The Country Style Cook-Off takes over the county

BLENHEIM—Marlboro County native Art Fennell brought his Country Style Cook-off home again this past weekend, bringing thousands of people from across the country to Marlboro County. Thousands of visitors to We Get It Together on Highway 38 for the eighth annual event.

The Country Style Cook-off is the largest BBQ cookoff event in South Carolina, Fennell said. This year’s event drew visitors from nearly every corner of the country, including California, Texas, Nevada, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Washington State. They were all here to sample delicious ribs, wings, and brisket.

The BBQ competition also brought in some top Grill Masters from 20 states, trying to take home the top Country Style Grill Master Championship and thousands of dollars in prize money.

The grand prize winner was Durty Burdz Barbeque from Washington, N.C. They also won for having the best ribs.

Fennell, a nationally known journalist, and creator of the Country Style Cook-off, said, “I started this event in my hometown to give back to my community, and I am especially proud of the economic impact it creates throughout Marlboro County and the surrounding area. But most of all, I’m proud that the Cookoff helps our local kids with scholarships.”

This year 10 Marlboro County High School Seniors received a $1,000 scholarship check from the event. They received a huge round of applause from the thousands of fans. Fennell said he presented the scholarship checks during the event so the students receiving them could revel in the cheers from the crowd.

“It’s our responsibility to lift up our youth and to encourage them and show them positive examples of what their future can be,” Fennell said. “We only give scholarships to Marlboro County students. We’re uplifting our own first.”

The scholarships assist students who are attending any post-secondary educational institution, he added.

The event can be viewed on Art Fennell’s Country Style YouTube channel, youtube.com/channel/UCtufLStmv9RPZqslIKE7PiA, in about a week.