The first Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Contest was held in the parking lot of the Orpheum Theater on May 5, 1978.

$1,000 was the prize money awarded to the very first Memphis in May Barbecue Contest winner, Bessie L. Cathey, who attributed her success to "ribs that came from high on the hog."

Over 88 tons of pork will be barbecued for the Memphis in May Barbecue Cooking Contest.

Though just about any meat can be used, traditional Memphis barbecue is usually smoked pork served in one of two forms: ribs on a slab or pulled.

Today more than 500 barbecue competitions are held each year in the U.S. ranging from small cook-offs at county fairs to major league events.

The most popular holiday weekend for barbecuing is July 4th, followed by Labor Day and Memorial Day.

The biggest barbecue party on record was in New Orleans in 1997 when around 18,000 people attended a surprise 50th birthday party.