Smokin’ in McMinnville will start cooking this Friday, Aug. 12, at the Civic Center with wing tasting and a movie. The event continues Saturday with activities throughout the day.
The wing tasting begins Friday at 6 p.m. with wings prepared by the professional barbecue teams. Kroger has supplied 3,000 wings. The cost is $8 for 12 wings while supplies last.
At 7:30 p.m., there will be a free airing of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” inside the Civic Center courtesy of Kroger. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring chairs.
Saturday’s events:
• 6 a.m.  Registration starts for 5K Fun Run
• 7:30 a.m.  5K Fun Run to support McMinnville-Warren County Senior Center.
• 8 a.m.  Kickball tournament
• 9 a.m.   Cornhole & Kan Jam tournaments
The Best of the Butts Lunch for Charity begins at 11 a.m. Cost is $10 for a pound of pork, two ribs and two sides. Fourteen charities are represented: Kids of the Community, Rescue Squad, Children’s Advocacy Center, Phi Theta Kappa, Vietnam Veterans Association, McMinnville Special Games, Warren County Senior Center, Friends of the Greenway, Books from Birth, Families in Crisis, Hope Center, Helping Animals of Warren County, Hamilton Street Community Center, and Main Street McMinnville.
“The best part about the wings and butts are the professionals have said they will help prepare and cook the meat," said Parks and Recreation director Scott McCord. "The public has always wanted to be able to try the meat provided by the professionals and now they can.”
This year’s event has attracted more than 40 professional barbecue teams. Prize money awarded is $12,000, which is paid from entry fees.
Gilley Pool will be open its normal Saturday hours. For more information, call 473-1212.