Old favorites, new events added to COTR barbecue

A global pandemic isn’t stopping the annual Christmas on the River Barbecue from happening, although precautions are in place to make the event as safe as possible.

Many of the favorite features are returning, and a new challenge is in place. What isn’t happening is the professional competition among barbecue teams that compete for national recognition, said J.B. Warren, one of the COTR Barbecue Committee members.

The George Franks Field opens Friday night, Dec. 4, to the public to sample barbecue from the “backyard” teams that offer it. Admission is $5.

What is different this year is that teams are competing in ancillary events. They can choose to prepare a main dish, side dish or dessert. The public will vote by leaving money in tip jars, and the team with the most money wins.

Proceeds from the contest will go to the Demopolis Kiwanis Club to purchase playground equipment for special needs children.

The BBQ committee is asking that everyone practice social distancing. While masks are not required, they are encouraged.

Back this year is the kids’ hamburger cookoff. Registration is open until Dec. 4 for ages 7-17. There is no fee to enter, but young chefs must provide everything they need to prepare, cook and present their entry.

Competition begins at 8 a.m. Saturday, and judging will be at 10:30 a.m. Young cooks will be divided into two categories: 7-11 and 12-17. Prizes will be awarded for the first three places in each category.

The term “backyard” barbecue may be deceiving, said Warren. The teams are not amateurs, which Warren described as “anybody with a grill.”

The COTR teams will be competing for points in the Alabama Barbecue Association. One Demopolis team, the Bat Wing Barbecue owned by Blake Beshears, ranks in the top 10 in the state and will be working to stay there.

While Warren doesn’t know yet how many teams will be competing, he expects about a third fewer to show up that in past years. However, since the COTR event is the last chance in the year for teams to compete in the state, he believes a good number throughout Alabama will be on hand.

Dee Wright heads up the BBQ committee. Working with her and Warren are Paul lWillingham, Corey McCarmack and Nich Parker.