In Brief

The three-day Smokin' in Mesquite BBQ Championship kicks off Friday with a barbecue and cooking class at the CasaBlanca Resort.

The annual competition includes $40,000 in prize money.

Friday's events include cooking classes with Kelly Wertz and a barbecue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The competition begins Saturday when barbecue grill masters will be cooking all day. A beer garden and event pavilion will be open from 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. at the CasaBlanca and will feature a live disc jockey and barbecue food. A rib competition is scheduled from 3 to 5 p.m.

Activities begin again at 11 a.m. Sunday with the opening of the beer garden and event pavilion. From 3 to 5 p.m, visitors can judge food for the annual People's Choice award. Professional awards are presented at 6 p.m.

For more information, call 888-711-4653 or visit www.mesquitebbqchampionship.com.

HOOKED ON THE BARD

Utah Shakespeare Festival
adding shows to fall program

The Utah Shakespeare Festival is extending the fall season because of increased interest from guests. "Les Miserables," "Hamlet" and "Stones in His Pockets" will run one additional week, through Oct. 27. In addition, the festival has added new Monday evening performances of "Les Miserables" on Oct. 1, 8 and 15.

This has been one of the most popular festival seasons in history with more than 35 consecutive sold-out performances of "Les Miserables" this summer, according to Kami Terry Paul, marketing director of the festival.

"We are right on track to have a record-breaking year in ticket sales, and we haven't even opened 'Hamlet' or 'Stones in His Pockets' yet," Paul said.

The popularity and success of "Les Miserables" has attracted many first-time visitors, which boosted attendance at all six summer shows and has raised early ticket sales to the three fall shows to record levels.

During the extended week, the festival will continue to offer production seminars, backstage tours, Repertory Magic, child care, concessions and literary seminars.

For more information or to buy tickets, call 1-800-752-9849 or visit www.bard.org.