REHOBOTH BEACH — The second-annual “Booo-B-Que By the Sea,” a two-day barbecue cook-off competition, begins Oct. 21 at Delaware Seashore State Park.

Hosted by DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation, the event features family-friendly activities, including a unique 5k Run/Walk over the Indian River Bridge and inlet pathways on Oct. 22. All proceeds will benefit the Delaware Children in Nature Endowment Fund, which affords opportunities for young people to participate in outdoor experiences.

“The first Booo-B-Que was a smashing success, and we are excited to bring the event back for its second year,” said Delaware State Parks Director Ray Bivens. “We expect to see even larger crowds this year and are thrilled to benefit the Delaware Community Foundation’s Children in Nature Endowment.

“Also, our hosting the event at Delaware Seashore State Park offers the unique opportunity to experience the beauty of the Indian River Inlet while enjoying some of the best BBQ on the Atlantic Coast.”

The Booo-B-Que — inspired by the Halloween timing — is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, a competitive cooking organization and the world’s largest non-profit group of barbecue and grilling enthusiasts, with more than 20,000 members worldwide. Every year, KCBS sanctions more than 450 BBQ contests worldwide.

East Coast BBQ competitors from as far as New York, North Carolina and Connecticut are expected to compete for the opportunity to be named the best BBQ chef in these parts and to win up to $10,000 in prize money. The Booo-B-Que also has the distinction of hosting the state championship for barbecue, and will help one competitor earn an invitation to the Jack Daniels World Championship Invitational in 2017.

To enter the BBQ competition, both pro and backyard grillers should contact event organizer Sandy Fulton at sandyfulton720@gmail.com.

The Booo-B-Que will be held in the south inlet day use and campground areas of Delaware Seashore State Park. The event features 30-plus food and craft brew vendors, live music, a Jeep show, trick-or-treating, a kids’ costume competition and an opportunity for visitors to sample and select the “people’s choice award” winners for chicken wings.

On Oct. 22, a live auction for low digit surf fishing tags will be held. This year’s auction will feature a once in a lifetime opportunity to bid on surf fishing tag No. 1.

“Delawareans love low-digit license plates and surf fishing tags,” said Mr. Bivens. “Last year’s auction raised significant funding for the park system, and we are excited to offer Delaware Surf-Fishing Tag No. 1 this year.”

The live auction will include a select number of low-digit surf plates. The black and white tags have a unique vintage look with raised letters.

Bidding will open at $250. The winning bidder for each tag will receive a certificate of authenticity. Once purchased, owners will retain the tag as long as they have a valid Delaware surf fishing permit. All revenue raised from the program will directly benefit Delaware State Parks and surf fishing beach access.

A special event fee of $5 will be in effect for the festival. Children younger than 12 will be admitted free. Visitors interested in making a weekend out of the festivities can join the fun and get a 20 percent discount on RV campsites at Delaware Seashore State Park. Reservations can be made at delawarestateparks.reserveamerica.com/ or by calling (877) 987-2757 and using promotional code BBQ2016.

For more information, visit www.destateparks.com/boo-bq/, or www.boo-bqrun.com/ to enter a 5K Run/Walk. To sponsor this event and/or the Children in Nature Initiative please contact Caroline Foltz at (302) 739-9185.

For more information on the low digit surf tag auction, visit www.destateparks.com/lowdigittag/