PORT ALLEN — The smell of barbecue filled the air in Port Allen today as cooks put their best recipes to the test at the Oldies But Goodies Fest barbecue competition.

Organizers say the competition brings cooks together from across Louisiana and neighboring states.

Competitors say winning starts with what goes on the grill. "You hit every grocery store in town looking for the best cut of meat is where you start," said Jeff Guareia.

But even a winning recipe has its limits. "Your recipe is only gonna last so long, then you gotta adapt to what's winning," said Adam Gautreau.

That pressure is even higher when some of the cooks beside you already have championship titles. "Everybody is either a world champion or a grand champion in some fashion," the Helms Brothers said.

Still, the Helms Brothers say barbecue has given them something beyond competition. "We found something that we can do together in adulthood," they said.

Jackie Morgan came into Port Allen ready to compete. As a new person stepping into the barbecue field, she was taking on a lineup packed with seasoned cooks. "We're super confident, super excited and ready to walk away with something today," Morgan said.

Across the cooking grounds, that same sense of community carries from team to team. "Everybody here is like family and friends," Gautreau said. "It's pretty much like camping with a side of barbecue."

After a full day of tasting barbecue, at least one judge had something very different in mind for dinner. "Ice cream and vegetables," said Andy Hollerman, a contest official.

The Oldies But Goodies Fest continues tomorrow with a car show from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and food and beverages for purchase.