Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Scott Mims | Community Columnist

The Central Alabama BBQ Festival will have more competitors and a different venue for its second annual event.

The Fest is scheduled for Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Chilton County Airport. It is a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned competition, but the fest will offer something for all ages and interest levels — like free barbecue sandwiches (one per person) while supplies last.

“We had over 1,000 people come through the gate last year. I think having it at the airport will be unique and interesting,” said Dylan Wallace, event coordinator.

Wallace said the number of teams competing has increased from 11 to 19, and participants are coming from as far as Kansas, Mississippi and Georgia. The teams will have food for sampling, and might even share a few tips for those looking to brush up on their skills behind the grill.

“Barbecue is not a spectator sport, but it’s still something you can come and enjoy and talk with these teams, and maybe pick up some tips or tricks of the trade and take it back home to your grill,” Wallace said.

General admission is free, but anyone may choose to judge the People’s Choice category for $10. Participants will get to try a sample from each team and vote for who they think has the best Boston butt.

“The People’s Choice portion begins at 11, and we will sell tickets until the meat is gone,” Wallace said.

KCBS is a backyard competition, meaning that it is judged based on two meats, not including the Boston butt portion. The primary competition will be for ribs and chicken, Wallace said.

Other activities will include live music from the Johnny Cash cover band Cash Back and local performers, a cruise-in featuring classic cars, motorcycles and other unique vehicles, the monster truck Heaven Bound Mud Bogger, and a “kid zone” with inflatables, face painting, pine derby racing and more.
“It will be a live runway, Planes will come in, and you will be able to walk on the tarmac and view some of the planes on-site if the pilot permits,” Wallace added.

He wished to thank sponsors of the event, including ALFA, Active Air, River Bank & Trust, The Clack Shack, Chilton County Chamber of Commerce, Central Access, Debra McKay with AllState, West End Baptist Church and Chilton Baptist Association.

For more information about the event, visit the official Facebook page “Central Al BBQ Festival.”

“We’re just trying to have an event where we can love on the community a little bit and spread some love and joy,” Wallace said.