Shayna Bowers may still be smiling wide today, basking in the glow of what event organizer Evan “Tiny” Woolard called an “upset win” for the relative newcomer. She took first place in a field of almost 20 competitors, all of whom had more experience than she did last week. From left to right: friend Bruce Lee, team member Josh Dea, chief cook Shayna Bowers, and her father Wesley Bowers. Missing from the photo is team member Mason Lee. Photo courtesy of Shayna Bowers and team "Chop it Like It's Hot"

NO FOOD ALLOWED This pristine 1990 Toyota pickup, owned by Garner resident Marty Sanderson, has had the full treatment. Features include a 355 horsepower Chevy V-8 engine, custom chassis, windshield, grill and headlights, a tilt bed, stainless exhaust, bench seat and glass bed – not to mention the benefit of jealous stares as he drives to and from car shows. (Karen Thiel/WDN)

Motor vehicle fans span all age ranges, which was obvious not only by the variety of people who showed up for last weekend’s car show at Southside High School, but by this metallic “editorial” on the license plate of a car owner who is secure in his opinion that you’re “never too old” to appreciate a screamin’ good set of wheels. (Karen/WDN)

This BBQ contest newcomer, Shayna Bowers, is 100% concentration, which served her well once she received a 117-pound hog, her first ever, at the start of this year’s “Smokin’ on the South Side” competition. This was her fourth BBQ event, and Bowers took first place in a field of almost 20 BBQ veterans. The annual contest is a fundraiser for the Chocowinity Volunteer Fire Department, and serves as the unofficial beginning of Christmas season in Chocowinity. (Karen Thiel/WDN)

Members of the fire department’s ladies’ auxiliary spent hundreds of hours baking all kinds of cookies, brownies, pies, and cupcakes – not to mention cakes in nine flavors including apple spice, carrot, chocolate, coconut, German chocolate, Hershey bar, honey bun, lemon and strawberry. Auxiliary members include Margaret Pendley and Gail Rossi at left, as well as Tanya Avery at right, with Lucille Herman behind her. (Karen Thiel/WDN)

FAMILY TRADITION Southside band director James E. Mauser Jr may have received more attention for his vintage tractor – given to him by his dad – than the concerts and other musical events he leads at Southside High School. (Karen Thiel/WDN)

Tommy Pendley is chief of the Chocowinity Volunteer Fire Department but, when “Smokin’ on the South Side” is in process, he counts himself as simply one of a very enthusiastic group of firefighters. Along with family members and friends, this group of volunteers make their annual tradition a success. Funds from sales of BBQ pork and chicken, as well as baked goods, are used to help pay for the department’s needs in the year to come. (Karen Thiel/WDN)