Exciting Developments in Athens: BBQ Buddies Give Back!
If you happened to be in Athens this past week, you may have sensed the excitement in the air as the community celebrated a wonderful moment of generosity. On September 23, the Singing River Smoke-O-Rama BBQ Buddies presented a whopping $10,000 check to the Singing River Trail organization during a heartwarming ceremony at City Hall. This amazing donation was raised during their very first barbecue contest held back in March, and it’s just the beginning of something truly special!
The Singing River Smoke-O-Rama: A Community Tradition
For those unfamiliar, the Singing River Smoke-O-Rama is an annual nonprofit charity barbecue contest that’s quickly becoming a beloved tradition in Athens. The inaugural event took place on March 22-23 and saw a fantastic turnout of 38 cooking teams that participants enjoyed. It was held at the picturesque Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena, and not only featured intense BBQ competitions, but there was also a craft fair showcasing stunning handmade creations from local artists.
Lynn Rager, a dedicated committee member for the Smoke-O-Rama, expressed the sentiment shared by many in the community during the check presentation: “To be able to do this and give back to our community that gives so much is actually an honor.” This sentiment beautifully captures the spirit of the event.
Support for the Singing River Trail
The $10,000 raised will play a vital role in the development of the Singing River Trail, a 200-mile greenway spanning multiple counties in North Alabama. Anna Clem, the Interim Executive Director of the Singing River Trail, remarked how this funding could help propel the organization into its next chapter—something certainly needed after the challenges they faced earlier this year.
After the unfortunate arrest of former director John Kvach on serious charges, the trail organization needed strong support from the community. Rager reflected on this, saying he hopes the funds will greatly benefit the trail’s operations moving forward. The trail promotes outdoor activity, allowing folks to enjoy nature safely, and it’s clear that both organizations share a commitment to making Athens a better place to live.
BBQ and Community Spirit
This year’s Smoke-O-Rama, sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (the largest BBQ organization in the world), brought together BBQ enthusiasts and competitive grillers alike. Teams competed fiercely for their share of a total prize pool of $5,000, with the grand prize winner taking home $1,500. The event truly showcased the immense talent and passion for BBQ in the area, and it reminded attendees of just how wonderful community gatherings can be.
Don Byford, president of Smoke-O-Rama, reinforced the event’s positive impact, saying, “I’m proud to be a sponsor of the Singing River Trail. It’s a great thing that promotes the outdoors and encourages people to get out and exercise.” You can feel the energy and pride in the voices of those dedicated to fostering community engagement and wellness through events like these!
A Look to the Future
The enthusiasm doesn’t stop there! As the Singing River Smoke-O-Rama team already plans their next event, Rager shared two projects dear to their hearts: the Limestone County Sheriff’s Special Needs Rodeo and the ‘Shop with a Cop’ program led by the Athens Police Department. “We are looking forward to funding those two things at our next Smoke-O-Rama,” he said, hinting at even more ways to lift up the Athens community.
With a fulfilling first contest behind them and a promising future ahead, the Singing River Smoke-O-Rama is on track for long-lasting community impact. To stay in the loop for next year’s delicious BBQ festivities, be sure to check out their website for updates!
The weather may be a bit rainy this week with chances of showers, but the flame of community spirit is shining bright in Athens. Here’s to many more years of tasty BBQ, community involvement, and the continued growth of the Singing River Trail!
