07/30/2026
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The Heartland Network and Memphis in May International Festival Announce Strategic Partnership Joining Two of the Biggest Names in Competitive Barbecue: Barbecue Country and the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Winner of Memphis in May's “Carriage Crossing Cookout” on September 19 Earns Guaranteed Seat on Barbecue Country Season 2
The Heartland Network, home of the hit original series Barbecue Country hosted by award winning pitmaster Russ Lannom, today announced a new strategic partnership with Memphis in May, producers of the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The partnership brings together two of the biggest names in competitive barbecue, pairing The Heartland Network's television audience with the credibility of a contest USA TODAY has ranked the "Most Prestigious" BBQ competition in the country.
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a serious celebration of Memphis' claim as the Barbecue Capital of the World. Each year, more than 200 teams from over 25 states and several countries compete for a share of a $200,000 prize purse and bragging rights as World Champion of BBQ.
As part of The Heartland Network partnership, Memphis in May will present the Carriage Crossing Cookout on Saturday, September 19, at Carriage Crossing in Town of Collierville (Collierville, TN).
Competitors will vie for cash prizes of $500, $250 and $100, but the biggest prize is a guaranteed seat at the table as a contender and cast member for Barbecue Country Season 2, bypassing the show's standard audition process entirely.
(The entry fee for the Carriage Crossing Cookout is $100.) APPLY TO COMPETE HERE ---> https://memphisinmayinternationalfestival.formstack.com/forms/carriage_crossing_application
The partnership also brings The Heartland Network and its streaming platform Heartland+ to Memphis in May's signature event, the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The network and streamer will be featured with branded presence on the MIM main stage, placing Barbecue Country in front of the festival's estimated audience of more than 60,000 daily visitors.
Joel Wertman, CEO & President, Get After It Media / The Heartland Network, says, "We built The Heartland Network to tell the stories of American food, craft, and community, and Memphis in May is an ideal partner for this. This co-bill lets us bring millions of viewers into the pits, the smoke, and the competition itself, giving this legendary event the national storytelling platform it deserves."
“The partnership between Memphis in May and The Heartland Network represents an exciting opportunity to once again elevate the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest on a national and international stage,” says Mack Weaver Memphis in May President & CEO. “By bringing together an iconic international event and a national media network, the collaboration will expand audience engagement, celebrate barbecue excellence, and further strengthen Memphis’ reputation as the barbecue capital of the world.”
Russ Lannom, Award-Winning Pitmaster and Host of Barbecue Country on The Heartland Network, adds, "Barbecue has always been about bringing people together. Getting to share the stories, the backyard cooks, the pitmasters, and the passion behind the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest with viewers across the country is exactly why I do what I do — there's nothing like watching someone discover real barbecue culture for the first time."
While the “Carriage Crossing Cookout” will fill one seat at the table, prospective cooks can apply to compete on Barbecue Country Season 2.
The Heartland Network is now accepting applications for the remaining spots on the show. Ten of the twelve Season 2 cooks will be selected through the network's open application process which is open now through Midnight central time on September 7th.
Production for Barbecue Country Season 2 is scheduled for November 2–12 in Lebanon, Tennessee. The link to the application to be cast for the show is in comments!
