Photos by Josh Prewitt
1 – Southern Smoke Russellville, Grand Champion team of the Pilgrim’s BBQ Cook-off, included captain David Evans Jr., and team members Caleb Evans and Royce Renfro with Jose Guerrero (far left).

By Josh Prewitt

For the FCT

The first Pilgrim’s BBQ Cook-off started off Friday night with beautiful weather and ended Saturday evening with thunderstorms, but overall it was deemed a success in its first year.

The BBQ Cook-off, held in conjunction with the 35th Annual Watermelon Festival in downtown Russellville, was a first for Pilgrim’s. It was organized by human resource manager Teresa Wilkerson and community liaison Jose Guerrero.

Despite the weather, nine teams competed for the title of grand champions. “We felt it was only natural that Pilgrim’s/JBS should sponsor this event for the community,” Wilkerson said. “We were very excited about the overall success of the event this year. We learned a lot from our grill masters and tasted some great fantastic barbecue.”

One of the judges, Sheriff Shannon Oliver, had this to say about the cook-off. “I’m glad they had me be a judge; I got in there last minute but really enjoyed it and everyone who had a part in it. I hope they continue it every year,” Oliver said.

The nine teams that entered were Holy Smoke, Bust, Hog Heaven, Cluck cluck pig-bill butler, Ron’s Famous BBQ – Ron McCullough, Blowing Smoke Red Bay, Southern Smoke Russellville, Beetle Bug Food Truck and Allen Howard.

The winners were:

Best Ribs: “Holy Smoke,” with captain John Hodge and team members Chris Hodge, Tyler Hodge, Lymann Rea, Fred Ambrosio and Caleb Rea.

Best Wings, Best Chicken and People’s Choice: “Bust,” with captain Ricky Skidmore and team members Scotty Seal and Ricky Seal.

Best Boston Butt: “Hog Heaven,” with Dr. Steren Hammack.

The Grand Champion, which won $500 and a trophy, was “Southern Smoke Russellville,” with captain David Evans Jr., and team members Caleb Evans and Royce Renfro.

“We will come back next year bigger and better,” said Wilkerson.

Pilgrim’s organizers thanked all the contestants who participated and also judges Elaine Vaughn, Oliver and Heath Grimes.