Crothersville has two parks, and the five members of the town’s parks board want people to use them.

Since the board was re-established at the beginning of the year, a lot of upgrades have been made to Countryside Park and Bard Street Park, drawing local residents and out-of-towners to check out the improvements.

For progress to continue, it takes money, because the board operates on only a $7,000 budget.

A couple of fundraisers have brought in additional revenue, and the board has high hopes with its third one — BBQ in the Ville.

The barbecue cookoff starts the night of Oct. 21 and continues from noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 22 at Bard Street Park. Saturday is the deadline to register and pay the $25 entry fee.

People can attend the event and purchase food, listen to music, enter raffles and enjoy other activities.

“Since this is our first year doing this, we have no idea what the turnout will be, but we appreciate everyone that comes out to support the parks,” said Ron Foster, president of the parks board.

Board member Brent Turner said a Facebook event page he created has drawn a lot of interest from people in the area and even out of state. Some of them have attended parks board meetings to provide input.

“I knew a lot of people that like to do the barbecue, and we figured it would just make a good fundraiser,” Turner said. “A lot of people took interest in it, so I think it’s going to work out pretty good.”

Entry forms are available from any parks board member, at Crothersville Town Hall or printed from the BBQ in the Ville Facebook page.

The contest has four categories — ribs, pork, brisket and chicken. There must be one head cook and no more than four assistants at any given time — all at least 21 years old.

First place will receive a trophy and a percentage of their entry fee, while second and third place each will receive a trophy.

For the full story, read Thursday’s Tribune or check back with tribtown.com.