In what could become D.C.’s own version of the Vendy Awards, Brightest Young Things has just announced the First Annual Curbside Cook-Off set for next month on the site of the old convention center. BYT is partnering with DCRA and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities to present the two-day event on October 7 and 8.

The public will have a chance to decide what street food vendors will represent D.C. in the contest. BYT plans to release more information later on how you can vote for the 20 spots available in the cookoff.

In the meantime, consider this: The contest is a smart way to build public support for D.C.’s army of ever-expanding food trucks, which are finding themselves increasingly under attack by local BIDs, brick-and-mortar businesses, food depot owners, and ANCs. The timing can’t be coincidental. The D.C. Council is expected to consider the new food vendor rules later the same month.

You could, of course, support the food trucks now by eating at one. Find their locations here.