By Marlee Jackson

Smoky, savory scents waft around downtown Scottsboro the second Saturday in October — an annual sign the Scottsboro BBQ Festival is back in business.

“Everyone has a smile on their faces,” said Vicki Watts.

Her husband, Tim, added, “As soon as you get near the square, the smell of barbecue makes you hungry.”

Now in its 10th year, the barbecue bonanza is Oct. 11. The free event is fun for kids and foodies of all ages.

The Wattses serve on the Scottsboro BBQ Festival committee, a service-oriented group that excitedly welcomes thousands to the festivities nestled in Alabama’s northeast corner.

The celebration heats up at 9 a.m. when more than 160 crafters, food trucks and brick-and-mortars that blanket the Scottsboro Downtown Square open, said committee members Vickie Sanders and Whitney Sanders. 

Pitmasters, however, pour into Jackson County the night before and into the wee hours for setup.

That’s because the Scottsboro BBQ Festival is part barbecue cookoff and part community celebration, said Brent Miller, who chairs the festival committee.

In the Backyard Competition, nearly 50 teams will prepare finger-lickin’ chicken and ribs. Barbecue buffs have traversed from seven states and as far away as Oregon to showcase their grilling chops in Scottsboro. 

They present plates to judges sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS), the world’s largest competitive barbecue organization. KCBS judges grade entries on taste, tenderness and texture before doling out cash prizes and awards.

An added element is conclusion of the Backyard Battle Royal. To qualify in the smokin’ hot showdown, contestants must have competed in five specific KCBS events, the last of which is the Scottsboro BBQ Festival. Earlier qualifying competitions were Singing River Smoke-o-Rama, High on the Hog Festival, Reelin’-n-Smokin’ and St. Bernard Prep Blues & BBQ. The champion will earn a hefty cash prize and all-important bragging rights.

While judges sample dishes in those contests, a People’s Choice Competition is open to the public. Ticket holders access up to 10 samples each of Boston butts and desserts and vote on their favorite. Just 300 tickets at $10 each are available.

The fun continues with a show and parade highlighting man’s best friend; a car, truck and motorcycle show; a cornhole tournament; and a kid-friendly fun zone with activities like pumpkin bowling, fishing and face painting.

That’s in addition to Kids-Q, which encourages fledgling barbecue aficionados ages 5 to 12 years old to season, grill and plate hamburgers.

“We want kids to start to learn how to cook and want to cook,” said City Councilman Nita Tolliver. “It’s a family activity and is a lot of fun.”

Committee members said the event is possible thanks to over 100 volunteers and partners such as presenting sponsor Publix and local groups like the Jackson County Farmers Federation (JCFF). 

The family friendly event aligns with JCFF’s mission to promote community pride in its rural county, said JCFF President Phillip Thompson. Barbecue’s reliance on delicious animal protein also pays homage to farmers.

“Everyone knows that quality barbecue starts with quality meat,” Thompson said. “While we don’t raise many hogs in Alabama anymore, we do grow the grains that provide nutritious feed for livestock.”

He added, “We’re proud to support our community by sponsoring the Scottsboro BBQ Festival. We’re blessed to live in this corner of Alabama and hope everyone who visits understands what makes Jackson County so special — our people.”

Find the Scottsboro BBQ Festival on Facebook to learn more or visit ScottsboroBBQFestival.fun.