Ribs, chicken, hot links and chili — a meat lover’s dream. These were just a few items that competed for votes Saturday at Muskogee’s Annual Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off.

Thousands gathered under sunny skies at Market Square, located directly west of the Civic Center, each struggling through the masses to tingle their taste buds.

All-you-can-eat taster kits were available for purchase for $6, and the event ran between noon and 5 p.m.

“We came to the cook’s party last night just to check things out,” said Kendal Pinkston, 25, of Muskogee.

Pinkston stood in front of her mother’s tent, the Oklahoma Nurses, and attempted to get votes from the crowd by yelling, “Best stuff you’re gonna have!” They proudly displayed trophies at the tent that were won at previous Muskogee chili cook-offs.

Pinkston said that she has never missed the event, and she traveled from Oklahoma City this year to attend.

“It is the best day for Muskogee, for the town to come together,” she said. “I have not missed a year. I’m hard core.”

Pinkston was not alone. Many came out with expectations of running into friends or family.

“We know practically half the people here,” said Sarah Sampson, 14, of Muskogee. Sampson and her two friends, Jada Morgan and Elizabeth Broyles, both 13, of Muskogee, clutched their plastic bowls as they milled through the crowd.

“We came out to have fun, chat and, of course, eat,” Broyles said.

Smoke filtered into the air from the three main isles of tents. A mixture of music styles rang from speakers as live bands played for spectators. Camel rides, inflatables and a small carnival ride were located on the southwest corner of the square.

Tracy Hoos, 32, of Tulsa leaned against the railing that surrounded the carnival swings as his son waited to ride. Hoos, who usually competes in the cook-off, decided to take this year off and bring his son.

“This is the first year in six years we haven’t been in it,” said Hoos, formerly of Muskogee. “Thought this year we’d come out and try everybody else’s stuff instead of cooking. We’re from Tulsa, so we always gotta come home to do this.”

Many of those who attended the Azalea Festival parade drifted over to the cook-off. One of the floats from the parade, which displayed seven newly painted guitars, was on display in the middle of the square. Several guitars, which are similar to these, have already been place around the city.

“You have to have long arms to play those,” Herb Caldwell, 49, of Muskogee said jokingly about the towering pieces. “I just came out to see the people that I don’t see everyday. I enjoy that,” he said. “I consider myself blessed to be here.”