ALAMOSA — The Great American Cookout Tour – presented by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS.us), the largest non-profit barbeque association in the world – will feature food sampling and a lively, interactive pitmaster demo tour as part of the San Luis Valley Beat the Heat BBQ on August 4 and 5.

The Great American Cookout Tour makes 20 nationwide stops at the biggest barbeque contests and food festivals to share background and professional grilling techniques while providing tasty samples and tips for food enthusiasts.

“We’re delighted to bring our entertaining and educational tour to one of best barbeque events in Alamosa. The GAC tour is designed to bring people together. We encourage you to join us as we celebrate food, family, and the fun of grilling and barbequing,” said Carolyn Wells, executive director of the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

McCormick® Grill Mates® is the title sponsor of the tour and the official seasoning and marinade partner of the Kansas City Barbecue Society and will introduce their brand new line of sausages and beef franks on this year’s tour. Grill Mates® products will be featured along with Bubba Burgers® and everything will be prepared on the award-winning 270 Smoker™.

All free samples feature a wood-smoked flavor thanks to the combination of heat source sponsors, Western®Premium BBQ Products, Cowboy® Charcoal, and Blue Rhino®. They will also be using Gunter Wilhelm® cutlery, made from X50CrMoV15 high carbon stainless German steel to prepare delicious samples.

The tour features KCBS professional pitmasters and judges, Mike and Christine Peters. The fan-favorite duo will reveal tips and techniques that professionals use in competition barbeque, so be sure to stop by and take some notes -- and samples!           

To keep up with the Great American Cookout all season long, visit kcbs.us/tour.php, Facebook (www.facebook.com/kansascitybarbequesociety) and Twitter (@KCBSBBQTour).