The Peach Festival Barbecue is a tradition as old as the Chilton County Peach Festival itself.

Each year, as the aroma fills the air around Clanton City Park, hungry parade goers make their way to the park pavilion.

This year’s barbecue will be Saturday, June 26 at the pavilion behind Jack Hayes Field from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Plates of either pork or chicken, baked beans, Cole slaw, bread and a drink are available for $8 apiece.

The barbecue is conducted by the American Legion Douglas Glass Post 6 and the Ladies Auxiliary.

“Our goal each year is to sell 500 plates,” said Jerry Grooms of the American Legion. “We cook it, and when it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Grooms’ advice is to arrive as early as possible to make sure you don’t miss out. Advance tickets are available from American Legion members, but most people just walk up and buy their plates on site.

Grooms said he expects to sell out this year, especially because it’s an election year. Proceeds go toward Boys State and Girls State, Legion programs that give outstanding high school students the opportunity to travel to Montgomery and acquire experience with the political process. Proceeds also benefit the Chilton County Veterans Memorial.

“Donations are welcome,” he said, adding that volunteers will also be appreciated. Anyone who wants to help out should arrive at the pavilion by 8 a.m.

Members of the American Legion typically show up around 5 a.m. to get the fire going, and by 7 they are ready to cook. Grooms and Eugene Cost do most of the cooking.

Volunteers from several groups, including the city of Clanton, the Chilton County Sheriff’s Department and many others, donate their time and efforts toward making the barbecue a success.