The Oklahoma Pecan Festival returns this weekend and by all indications, it will be bigger and better in its second year.

Once again, the Ardmore Main Street Authority event will kick off with a veteran parade followed by a ceremony at 10 p.m. Saturday in Depot Park. Festivities will follow that will include a kid’s corner, vendors, live music and an inaugural BBQ contest. Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The contest, sanctioned by the Outlaw BBQ Association, will run Friday and Saturday. Setup will start at 2 p.m. Friday with judging to begin at noon on Saturday. AMSA Executive Assistant Kelly Bell said judging for beans will be at noon, followed by chicken at 1 p.m., ribs at 2 p.m. and brisket at 3 p.m.

Following the final judging, awards will be announced with $5,000 in prize money awarded.

“It’s going to be big,” she said.

Competitors will also vie for opportunities to advance to national competition.

There is also going to be a baking contest for pecan desserts with a $250 jackpot.

In addition to the competition, there will be more than 30 vendors selling items ranging from crafts to soda and beer to wash down food that can be purchased. Bell said vendors were still calling late this week for a spot in Depot Park.

“We are raffling off a painting by Mike Craig,” Bell said. “He will be under the gazebo and will do a painting of livestock under a pecan tree.”

Following the veterans ceremony, AMSA trustee Ginger Cothran will announce Murray State College scholarship recipients for an essay contest.

Visitors to the festival will also be able to enjoy music. Emily Rhyne will take the stage at 11 a.m., followed by John Crocker at 1:15 p.m. and Joe Baker at 2:15 p.m.

“I think the weather will clear out for us,” Bell said. “We are really excited about it.”