Dozens of BBQ pitmasters and their teams from the Pacfic Northwest will set up camp in Langley on Sunday for one of the community's most popular events.

Thousands of people will be drawn by the aroma to BBQ on the Bypass.

The seventh annual free event has become known as the Lower Mainland's largest barbecue competition which attracts enthusiasts every year who turn out to enjoy the sites, sounds and flavours of a southern style competition. The event will feature live music, displays, vendors, samples, and more.

Thirty teams will be competing for thousands of dollars in cash prizes and trophies, including the title as the BBQ on the Bypass Grand Champion and a chance to compete at the Jack Daniel's World BBQ Championships in Tennessee.

New this year are the JD Farms Black Box competition and the Fraserway RV Team Spirit Award.

Amateur pie bakers are also being invited to participate in the Great BC Bake Off with prizes provided by Well Seasoned.

The event will be emceed by well-known culinary expert and Langley Advance columnist Chef Dez.

Local rock cover band, OS5 will perform with lead singer, Karen Lee Batten, a three time winner of the BCCMA Lead Female Vocalist of the Year and a finalist on the first season of Canadian Idol.

Throughout the day there will be activities for children like face painting and games. The panel of certified judges will include Langley City Mayor Peter Fassbender.

The event runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the public but the teams competing will have been there hours before, tending their slow roast goodies.

The activity is at 20771 Langley Bypass and admission is free. With the increasing popularity, parking is on the nearby streets and people must walk to the site which is entirely taken up with barbecue teams and spectators.

Find out the latest details at www.bbqonthebypass. com.

Founded in 2005 by award-winning pitmaster Angie Quaale, who is also the owner of the Well Seasoned, the event has become a popular with competitors and the public alike.

Quaale's vision was to create a regional competition certified by the Pacific Northwest BBQ Association for local competitors to showcase their skills and win prizes.

In 2012, teams will compete in the categories of beef brisket, ribs, chicken, and pork butt, plus a black box category, for a chance to earn trophies and cash prizes and an opportunity to compete in the world championship.