Jefferson BBQ back Saturday; first come, first served

Jefferson Community Club and Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department will host their annual springtime Jefferson Barbecue on Saturday, April 17, at Jefferson Community Club.

Available on a first come, first served basis beginning at 8:30 a.m., the barbecue will be sold by the pound and take-out plates will be available, both at $9 each. The plate includes barbecue, homemade potato salad and cake, bread, and pickles. Pints of Jefferson’s signature sauce will be available for $3. Cash is preferred, and checks are accepted, but no debit or credit cards are accepted.

The event has been a sell-out for several years, so guests are urged to come as early as possible. To practice social distancing, volunteers will accept orders at the front porch, and a volunteer will package and carry the order. No buffet will be served.

Jefferson Barbecue is a longstanding gathering tradition in Marengo County, even drawing travelers from across state lines. Last year’s April event was postponed until October because of the pandemic and even then sold out before noon.

“We cook all that our pit will hold, and it takes a solid day and night to cook, so when it’s gone, it’s gone,” said George Norris, Jefferson’s Fire Chief. Members of the community spend at least a few days prior baking, cooking, and prepping.

“It’s great for any organization to have a fundraiser that sells out because that means you have support and that people enjoy what you have to offer,” said Pam Locke Baker.

“Our community is blessed to have the level of volunteerism that we have and also the support that we get from so many others for a successful fundraiser,” said Betsy Compton Luker, a member of the volunteer fire department. “It’s about good food, for sure, but also, having such support for this event makes a lot of difference for our department and has a huge positive impact on our community, while also preserving one of our county’s greatest traditions.”

Proceeds from the barbecue benefit both the community club and the fire department. It is the only fundraiser for each organization.

“Proceeds from this event help us do some of the things that we might not be able to do with only restricted funds that are allocated to us,” said Norris. “It takes a lot of money and time to maintain a fire department, partly because of all that’s required for us to not only pass inspection but to strive for a rating that helps ensure that our neighbors can see the positive results of fire protection when it comes time to pay their property insurance premiums.”
“Everything we do is a commitment of time from our volunteers, a true commitment,” Norris continued.

Jefferson has a small population located in of some of the county’s best pasture and timber land. A high percentage of JVFD’s calls are for brush fires, so controlling the fire safely before allowing it to overcome a property or reach a structure is usually the top priority.

Jefferson Community Club is located at 26098 Alabama Highway 28.