Ware Shoals BBQ Feastival: A Day of Fun, Food, and Friendly Competition
WARE SHOALS – The town square was bustling with activity on Saturday as the Ware Shoals BBQ Feastival got into full swing. The morning started sunny, but clouds began to creep in as the day progressed. Despite the threat of a stray shower or thunderstorm, the high spirits of attendees were undampened. Temperatures climbed to the mid-90s in the afternoon, making it a perfect day for some delicious barbecue and community fun.
A Relaxing Saturday Morning
Early in the day, light crowds meandered around the town square, sampling an array of barbecue offerings. Russell Scott from Southside BBQ & Hash could be seen wrestling a grill into place, preparing for the influx of hungry visitors. The atmosphere was laid-back, with people lining up to taste the various dishes. Some sought shelter under tents, equipped with small portable fans, and kept bottles of water handy to combat the heat.
Dunking Booth Draws Crowds
Christian Walker, the assistant football coach at Ware Shoals High School, became a popular attraction as he took his place on the dunking booth platform. The booth was a fundraiser for the Hornets Nest, supporting the school’s football program. Walker traded barbs and jokes with participants, challenging them to hit the target and dunk him into the cool water below. After every successful throw, a soaked but cheerful Walker would climb back up, ready for the next round.
Great Expectations for the Evening
Although the square was still relatively quiet around lunchtime, festival official Rick Holland was optimistic. Friday evening had seen a good turnout, and he was confident that more people would arrive as the evening wore on. “People will fall out of the sky,” he remarked, clearly anticipating the busy night ahead.
Long-Standing Barbecue Tradition
Seasoned barbecue veterans Alton Jones and Johnny Anty, representing Curbside Servin’, took a deserved break after a morning of cooking. With over 25 years of experience each, they were confident their dishes would impress the judges. “We already got it,” Evans said, referring to the awards for best barbecue, “They are just holding them for us.”
Both men spoke with pride about their cooking skills, honed over decades of practice. Evans attributed his prowess to his grandmothers, who taught him how to make everything from chicken to a “mean, mean, mean hamburger steak.” Anty added that achieving the perfect barbecue involves knowing when to season, when to flip, and how to get the temperature right. With years of experience behind them, they were confident in their ability to produce a winning dish every time.
Smokin’ in the City Dominates
Despite the stiff competition, the team from Smokin’ in the City clinched multiple awards, including trophies for chicken, ribs, pulled pork, and the overall champion title. Jamie Workman and his team were the stars of the festival, proving their mastery in barbecue craft and taking home the coveted pro-wrestling type belt presented by Rick Hollander.
A Day Well Spent
The Ware Shoals BBQ Feastival proved to be a hit, offering residents a chance to enjoy great food and even better company. By evening, the town square was filled with the buzz of conversations, the sound of laughter, and the smoky aroma of barbecued meats. As the festivities wound down, it was clear that Ware Shoals had once again successfully come together to celebrate its rich tradition of great barbecue.
For more information about future events in Ware Shoals, stay tuned to community announcements and local notices.
