MONROE — Bryan Lipscy will tell you why a barbecue competition goes so well with Snohomish County’s expo this weekend at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds.

The Washington State Spring BBQ Championship, which Lipscy is coordinating, figures among the activities scheduled Saturday and Sunday during the Evergreen Recreation &Sportsmen Expo. It’s all about the outdoors and American tradition.

“Sportsmen love barbecue because they get to cook their catch,” Lipscy said. “It’s a great fit. Both the expo and championship really complement each other well.”

This is the third year Snohomish County has hosted a spring fair in Monroe, focusing on outdoor recreation in eastern Snohomish County. Parking and admission are free, though rides and food cost money.

The event gives people the chance to wander though displays about camping, fishing and landscaping. Featured sports for fans of the rugged outdoors include climbing, boating and all-terrain vehicles.

There’s more: Carnival rides start Friday and run through Sunday. Children 12 and under have the chance to use a casting pond stocked with nearly 1,000 live trout. That’s being sponsored by Les Schwab Tire Centers and hosted by the Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club.

A horse show, swap meet and auto races are scheduled at the fairgrounds the same weekend.

In the two-day cookoff, Lipscy will compete for Dead Man BBQ, his catering business and one of 36 teams vying for more than $3,500 in cash prizes.

The Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association is sanctioning the event. Proceeds from samples and a raffle will go to support the Bad Draw Wrestling Club. The finale is schedule for 4:30 p.m., with an awards ceremony emceed by Monroe Mayor Robert Zimmerman. Monroe Fireplace and Stove is the main sponsor.

Noah Haglund: 425-339-3465, nhaglund@heraldnet.com.

Evergreen Recreation &Sportsmen Expo

What is it? A showcase of local outdoor recreation, a two-day barbecue cookoff and three days of carnival rides.

Address: Evergreen State Fairgrounds, 14405 179th Ave. SE, Monroe, 98272.

Expo hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Carnival rides: 4 to 10 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. ; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. .

More information: 360-805-6700 or www.evergreenfair.org.