Thousands gather in downtown Scottsboro for the 10th annual BBQ Festival featuring food competitions, live entertainment and charitable fundraising
Story By Katie Hightower
On Oct. 11, the tenth annual Scottsboro BBQ Festival was held on the square in downtown Scottsboro. The festival, presented by Publix in partnership with the City of Scottsboro Tourism Grant Fund, had a huge turnout with thousands in attendance from the local area and out of state.
“This festival grows every year. This year, we sold all 300 tickets for the People’s Choice Competition,” said Vickie Watts, Scottsboro BBQ Festival Coordinator.
A city-block-long line of people waited for their opportunity to purchase tickets for the People’s Choice Competition. Those who were able to purchase tickets before they sold out, had the opportunity to sample over 30 cups of barbecue and desserts. They then picked their favorites from the samples and cast their votes.
Winners of the People’s Choice dessert competition included: first place, Michelle Ellis from Focus Smokas; second place, Allison Frye and third place, Tammy McIntire from Mama T’s.
Winners of the People’s Choice meat competition included: first place, Derrick Cole from Bentley Que; second place, Tammy McIntire from Mama T’s and Trey Wright and Chris Wilbourn from Hawg Heads BBQ.
The Winner of the People’s Choice best decorated competition was Tammie Scott from Focas Smokas.
Judges also sampled the food cups in the competition and picked Judge’s Choice winners. Those winners included Todd Jackson from JackBoyz Smoked Meats for best meat and Michele Tells for best dessert.
Seven kids arrived to the festival early to compete in the annual Kids-Q Competition. Local and out-of-state children ages 5-12 stood at grills armed with spatulas to make the perfect burger.
Winners of the Kids-Q Competition included Carly Clarke from Scottsboro, Isabella Sanders from Scottsboro and Holden Porter from Milton, Georgia. Those who did not win were still celebrated and given prizes for competing.
Some people attended the event to do more than sample BBQ and compete; they attended to raise money for charitable causes. The Scottsboro Fire Department set up at tent with a table covered in boots for people to fill with money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The VFW and VFW Auxiliary attended the event to raise money for their programs that not only help veterans in need, they also give back to the local community.
A child decided to make a difference in the lives of those facing breast cancer with his lemonade stand. Silas Brogdon said he had the idea to raise money for the cause at last year’s BBQ Fest. After he saw his own grandmother who face the battle, Silas wanted to help others through hope boxes. The hope boxes were filled with items specifically tailored for those battling breast cancer.
Silas’s mother, Katie Brogdon, said, “I think it’s a good cause because it helps people battling this disease with comfort items.”
“I’m having fun. My favorite part is getting to see people and raising money,” Silas said.
“He has had a blast and is a natural salesman,” Katie said.
There was something for everyone to enjoy at the event. Vehicle enthusiasts were able to see over 80 automobiles at the annual BBQ Fest car show. Vintage automobiles, hot rods, trucks, motorcycles and muscle cars were on display for passers-by to enjoy. There was a dog show with a parade and a corn hole tournament. There was also a Kids Fun Zone where kids could practice their fishing skills, bowl with pumpkins, jump on bouncy houses and throw axes. There was also live entertainment from several bands and singers.
Those who missed this year’s BBQ Fest can mark their calendar’s for next year. The BBQ Fest will be held on Oct. 10, 2026.
