BBQ Smoke Will Be in the Air
Amateur and professional pitmasters and a dozen bands will make their way to the River City — Decatur, Alabama — the third weekend in September to fill the air with smoke and music along the banks of the Tennessee River.
Set for 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. both September 15 and 16, 2017, at Ingalls Harbor, Riverfest brings together pitmasters from across the country for some fierce barbecue competition. Cooking teams will be competing in brisket, pork, ribs, chicken, dessert, and best sauce.
Hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Morgan, Lawrence, Winston and Cullman counties, Riverfest is recognized by the state of Alabama as an official State Barbecue Championship competition, and is sanctioned by, and conducted under, the rules of the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Riverfest is the third and final leg of the North Alabama Triple Crown, a dual-sanctioned barbecue competition for North Alabama.
Two major additions to the event this year are the Jack Daniel’s Experience Truck and the Smokin’ With Smithfield Celebrity PitMaster Station: the truck offers a miniature tour of the famed Jack Daniel’s Distillery outfitted in an 18-wheeler and trailer; the trailer will host a celebrity pit master demonstrating professional grilling procedures and giving out hints and suggestions along with free samples.
In addition, food vendors offering barbecue and other traditional festival food will be on hand and a children’s area will keep the young ones entertained. Festival goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets.
A one-day ticket is $15 per adult and admission is free for children under 10 years old. Weekend passes are $25 per adult and includes admission for both days. Tickets are sold at the gate and are available online.
