VINEMONT, Ala. – Pitmasters, barbecue lovers and families are invited to follow the smoke Saturday, Oct. 24, as The Butcher’s Smoke & Flames Barbecue Cookoff & Festival fires up from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 266 Park Drive.
Organizers describe the event as “a family-friendly, full-day celebration packed with incredible food, community spirit, and nonstop competition!”
Serious competition
The cookoff is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS), one of the largest barbecue competition organizations in the world, bringing in talented teams from all over to compete in Chicken and Ribs.
In addition to the official KCBS categories, the event will feature crowd-favorite ancillary categories, including a People’s Choice Boston Butt contest and Dessert.
Something for everyone
The festival isn’t just for the pitmasters. Guests can enjoy live music, a car show, local vendors and plenty of mouthwatering barbecue while cheering on their favorite teams throughout the day.
“Whether you’re a serious BBQ lover or just looking for a fun-filled day with the family, Smoke & Flames has something for everyone!” organizers said.
Admission is free, according to event listings.
Hosted by a hometown butcher shop
The cookoff is hosted by The Butcher Meat Co., a locally owned and operated meat market in Vinemont owned by Justin and Kadi Smith. The shop opened in July 2022 at 149 Patton Drive, and Justin brings about 19 years of experience in the grocery and meat business.
Living up to its motto, “Where we cut MEAT not Corners!” the shop offers fresh-cut beef, pork, chicken and seafood, including mahi-mahi, grouper, tuna and steamed shrimp, along with specialty cuts made to order. The Butcher also smokes meats on-site, from baby back and spare ribs to chicken wings, brisket and Boston butts, and carries a selection of seasonings and sauces.
The Butcher Meat Co. is no stranger to bringing grillers together. The shop hosted a Backyard Grill-Off in Vinemont in 2022.
The Butcher Meat Co. is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information about the shop or the cookoff, call 256-747-5416, visit www.butchermeatco.com, or follow @thebutcherschuckwagon on Facebook and Instagram.
