Jefferson community selling barbecue Saturday

Jefferson Community Club and Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department will host the annual springtime Jefferson Barbecue on Saturday, April 16, at Jefferson Community Club.

Barbecue will be sold by the pound and take-out plates will be available beginning at 8:30 a.m. at a cost of $10 per pound or plate. 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, checks are accepted, but no debit or credit cards are accepted. Both options will be available until the barbecue has sold out. There are no pre-sales and no holds.

Jefferson Barbecue is a longstanding gathering tradition in Marengo County, but travelers come from across the county, even state lines, for a taste of the unique recipe. In fact, the event has seen sell-out crowds more times than not in recent years.

“Barbecue has sold out in record time for the last few years,” said George Norris, Jefferson’s Fire Chief. “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.”

They pack the pork shoulders on their onsite pit until every inch is covered, and the meat smokes for 24 hours over hickory coals. 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, and it’s the only fundraiser for each organization. It aids the VFD in maintenance and upgrades to their equipment and facility, located next door to Jefferson Community Club. The aging fleet of trucks require timely repairs and maintenance.

“Our barbecue has been a big help to us over the years,” Norris said. “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. 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.”

“Our department was established in 1986 after several properties in our community were lost to fire,” Norris said. “We’re not going to prevent every fire from happening, but we can help provide a sense of security and an awareness for safety when incidents occur. We hope that every little thing we do helps keep our community just a little safer.”

Jefferson Community Club is located at 26098 Alabama Highway 28, Demopolis.