Charcoal is set to be smoking and glowing in Novi on Saturday as Big Green Egg grills and their devotees cook up a storm at their very own festival.

The first Great Lakes Ace Motor City EggFest is taking place at MSU Tollgate Farms and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Road, in Novi.

EggFest events bring together Big Green Egg grilling aficionados in a festive environment to cook on the grills and smokers. It's also an event where grillers often share stories and grilling techniques with the crowd. EggFest events take place in several states around the country and are typically put on by Big Green Egg authorized dealers.

This EggFest is a cooking competition that brings together Big Green Egg owners, chefs and cooking teams to show off their skills, and the crowds benefit.

Competitors share tips and techniques and provide food samplings. Those attending can vote for their favorite teams. So far, 10 grilling teams are signed up.

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Besides the grilling competition, there will be music by Bill McAllister of WCSX-FM (94.7), games, and photo opportunities. Tollgate Farms will host an animal experience, and there will also be hayrides.

If you're not familiar with Big Green Eggs, they are ceramic grills known for their unique shape and almost cult-like following. Many Egg owners are called "Eggheads." Part of the appeal of a Big Green Egg, or an Egg, is that it can be used as a grill, oven or smoker.

The grills come in multiple sizes — from a mini version to a 2XL size that can hold 35-40 burgers. These grills are heavy and come with a heavy price tag. The mini is $429 and the 2XL is $2,199, according to biggreenegg.com.

General admission tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate. The event is limited to 500 tickets. Each ticket includes one free pop or water, one bag of chips and unlimited barbecue samples.

This event also has a charitable aspect with 50% of ticket sales supporting Beaumont Children's Miracle Network Hospital and Tollgate Farms.

There will be merchandise and Great Lakes Ace will be selling demo Big Green Eggs at discounted prices.

Contestants have a chance to win prizes and are provided grilling equipment to use, tables, charcoal, small plates, gloves, sample cups and more.

For tickets and information, go to eventbrite.com.

Contact Detroit Free Press food writer Susan Selasky and send food and restaurant news to: sselasky@freepress.com. Follow @SusanMariecooks on Twitter.

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