(Mesquite, NV) - Kelly Wertz has been teaching the art of barbeque for the past seven years. Friday, September 2 he introduces his class to the CasaBlanca Resort as part of the third annual Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ Championship sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society, the world's largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts with over 14,000 members worldwide. BBQ 101

Classes are scheduled from 8:00AM until 4:00PM covering every aspect of the BBQ trade from the selection of the utensils needed to cooking procedures. Class Schedule

The 49-year old Nebraska native said, "We cover chicken, ribs, pork and brisket" Wertz said. "It's kind of a contest class on how to prepare for competition. We gear it to everything from beginners to intermediate cooks. Even the back yard BBQ people who want to improve their work will enjoy it," he added.

Now in its third year, the Smokin’ in Mesquite BBQ competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), offers a bonus to the top finishers from the Best Damn BBQ held on Memorial Day weekend in Boulder City along with the Mesquite event. In addition, a $3,000 bonus is provided to the Nevada State Champion who has the best combined scores from both events. Prize Payout Schedule

Wertz said he is looking forward to the Mesquite BBQ championship. "BBQ competition is like auto racingin that while the prize money in most events may not be big (the purse for the Mesquite event is $40,000 which is one of the largest on the BBQ circuit), the friendships are always memorable."

“For $150, you will get more tips, techniques and ideas and different ways of looking at things,” he explained about the class being offered. “The money is cheap for what people will learn. It’s unreal and in addition, people will create friendships that will last for a lifetime. I have been all over doing classes like this from Florida to New York.”

Wertz’ 4 Legs Up BBQ team has won the Jack Daniels World Invitational BBQ Championship. In addition, the team has 24 Grand Championships; 12 Reserve Championships; 68 top ten finishes; and 46 first place finishes and it has competed in 12 states winning contests in every state.

Since 2007, 4 Legs Up has finished in the top 15 out of more than 4,500 teams in the Kansas City BBQ Society Team of the Year points. The team is also the only team to have won the Frisco, Colo., and Dillon, Colo. contests in the same year.

Further information regarding this year’s event that runs through Sunday September 4 can be found at www.mesquitebbqchampionship.com or call Christian Adderson at (888) 711-4653, ext. 51; or emailing at cadderson@casablancaresort.com.