Paula Merritt / The Meridian StarJoe McLeod with Mitchell Distributing prepares cheeseburgers during Bud & Burgers. 

Some of Meridian’s best grillmasters showed off their culinary skills during the Fifth Annual Bud & Burgers at Singing Brakeman Park in downtown Meridian Thursday night. 

The competition, sponsored by Mitchell Distributing, featured dozens of teams vying for a variety of prizes and trophies, with proceeds benefitting L.O.V.E’s Kitchen. The evening also featured live music and other fun activities.