Photo courtesy of Sobremesa Studios via Alice Laussade.

Dallas-based nonprofit Meat Fight, is returning for its 16th year on Nov. 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to continue raising funds for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS).  

The annual barbecue competition, founded by Lake Highlands resident Alice Laussade, will take place at Dallas Youth Sports and is expected to attract more than 600 people. This year’s event has a goal of raising $150,000, according to a press release. 

Proceeds will support Meat Fight’s MS Research Endowment with UT Southwestern, programs for people living with MS and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. 

Sixteen chefs will compete in teams of four led by Meat Fight captains David Peña of Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House, Eduardo Osorio of Meridian, Rhonda McCullar of Uchi and Jeramie Robison of The Thompson Dallas. 

This year’s competition will feature four new categories. 

“Instead of just basing the categories on meats, we gave the chefs all new categories: tacos on-a-stick, balls and buns,” Alice Laussade, CEO of Meat Fight said. “We’re departing a little from traditional barbecue and there will be meatballs, sliders and so much more.” 

According to the press release, participating chefs include David Uygur of Lucia, Andrew Savoie of Resident Taqueria, Misti Norris of Far Out and Andrea Shackelford of Harvest at The Masonic. 

The event will also feature the Sideshow, where Shinsei, Fred’s Texas Café, Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar and Cenzo’s Pizza will compete in the “Stuffed” category. Garden Café will serve what Meat Fight calls its “Shame Salad” which is perfect for those wanting to eat on the healthier side. 

Sweet Fight will feature Humble Pies, Haute Sweet Patisserie, Empire Baking Co. and The Flour Shop competing in the “Dipped” category. 

Beer and beverages will be provided by Vector Brewing, Four Corners Brewing Co., Oak Highlands Brewery, Sierra Nevada, RACHO Mezcal, Lockwood Distilling Co. and Noble Coyote Coffee Roasters, among others, according to the release.

“It wouldn’t be a Meat Fight without the Meat Midway, where we will be introducing giant pig races,” Laussade said. “It’s a brand new midway game we’re excited about, and it should lead to a whole lot of ridiculous photos.”

Laussade said the event will also include a live auction, which she described as Meat Fight’s own version of The Price Is Right, where winning chefs can take home bronze beer-can trophies.

General admission tickets are $75, although the organization is offering an introductory prize of $65 during the first week of ticket sales which started on Oct. 1. 

VIP tickets are $150 and VIP holders will receive a slider from Easy Slider, brisket from Goldee’s BBQ and Slow Bone BBQ and access to express beverage lines. 

General admission begins at 6 p.m. and VIP access begins at 5 p.m. 

This year’s proceeds will support Meat Fight’s Meat Bike program, which provides road bikes, recumbent trikes and equipment for athletes living with MS; Meat Hike, which provides coaching and opportunities to hike destinations including the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park; and Project 13, which provides coaching and equipment for athletes participating in events such as a 70.3 Ironman, according to the release.

“One hundred percent of the ticket price supports the cause,” Laussade said. “Meat Fight has made a real impact for people living with MS through research and programs that benefit everyone — and we’ve had a lot of laughs together along the way.”

The event is for ages 21 and older.