By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
Noccalula Falls will host its 8th Annual Smoke on the Falls barbeque competition on April 8 and 9. The barbecue competition is sanctioned by the Kansas Barbeque Society.
Admission will be free on Friday, April 8. Gates will be open from 4 to 9 p.m. Food and art and craft vendors will be available. Attendees can meet some of barbeque teams. The Foggy Hollow Review Band will play from 6 to 8 p.m.
“People are welcome to bring their cushions and chairs and enjoy some bluegrass,” said Noccalula Falls Supervisor Janet Tarrance.
On Friday a new sausage cook-off, sponsored by Jimmy Dean Sausage, will take place. For this contest, professional and backyard teams will be judged collectively. Winners will be announced during Friday’s event.
The professional divisions will competitively cook pork butt, pork ribs, chicken and beef brisket on Saturday, while the backyard divisions cook chicken and pork ribs. Teams can win prize money, trophies, ribbons and more in all divisions. A total of $14,000 will be awarded in prize money. With both divisions, over 52 teams are competing in this year’s competition. Miss Greater Gadsden Lexie Hayes will be present as a backyard guest judge and to visit with the children.
On Saturday, April 9, tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-12 years and free for children ages 3 and under. Gates will open at 10 a.m. Tickets include a free BBQ sandwich and entry into the kids zone that features inflatables and games. Rides may cost additional money. Vendors will be available. Mother May I with Peanut and Rush will play from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. The Shane Givens Band will play from 2 to 4 p.m. Both bands will play on the State Farm Music Stage. A free photo booth will be available to attendees.
Saturday begins with the annual Gadsden Regional Smoke Your Buns 5K Run. Runners can register up until the race begins Saturday morning. Registration is $30, but members of the Gadsden or Anniston Runners Club receive a $2 discount. The race will take place on the trails at Noccalula. The Black Creek Trail will be closed April 9 for the race.
The best thing is that while you are running you can smell barbecue cooking in the air,” said Tarrance.
Awards will be given to the first three overall male and female winners and the first three male and female finishers in each category. Masters and Grand Master awards will also be given to overall male and female runners. The race’s awards ceremony will be held at 10 a.m.
“We invite everyone to come out,” said Tarrance.