Last year’s Music Festival and BBQ Cook-Off was a hit. Not only did it introduce new performers to the community, but it also marked the crowning of the Douglasville Police Department as winner of the best-tasting barbecue in a competition among three government agencies.
Runners-up were the Georgia National Guard (second place) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office (third place). The contest was judged by now-Councilperson Elena Hudson (Hudson’s Hickory House BBQ), Winfield Wilson (Dickey’s Barbecue) and Joey Tafelski ( Longhorn Restaurant).
This year, it’s on — again — and bragging rights are on the line, according to Douglasville Police Chief Gary Sparks. Whose barbecue will be judged the tastiest?
The rain-or-shine event will be held Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. on the front grounds of the Public Safety Complex, 2083 Fairburn Road. Everyone is invited to attend.
Dancers, steppers, musicians, and other performers will have the opportunity to showcase their talent. Sparks said the goal is to provide good, clean entertainment and fun to those who attend.
“We want to see if the people of Douglasville and Douglas County have talent,” Sparks said. “Singing, spoken word, or whatever talent you have that is respectful and not offensive will be welcomed.”
Obscene acts, language or lyrics will not be allowed, he said.
A stage will be set up for performers, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and hang out under the tents to shelter from whatever weather shows up that day. Scheduled performers include Unison Major Band, The Band — Contemporary Church, and the West Georgia Ukulele Ensemble, according to Sgt. Shannon Dean, community outreach coordinator for the police department. Others who want to participate Saturday may do so by signing up at the police department ‘s table that day, she said.
Last year’s performers ranged in age from eight to adulthood.
Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products are not allowed on the premises, but food vendors will be selling Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, chips and drinks and other side items. Consumers may also purchase shaved ice, Italian ice, and desserts. The Douglas County District Attorney’s Office will be selling chips, bottled water, and canned drinks. Shane’s Rib Shack will provide mac ‘n cheese, baked beans, coleslaw, and peach cobbler for sale.
Some 50 vendors last year sold a variety of items, such as crochet, paintings, leatherworks and desserts, Dean said. Applications are now closed to all vendors, she added.
Then there’s the barbecue.
This year’s Cook-Off will again be judged by celebrity judges, and the grilled meats will be for sale to patrons attending the event. So far, Beth Candler (Shane’s Rib Shack) and Terry Post (40-year pit master at Hudson’s Hickory House BBQ) have committed to judging the competition. In addition to DPD, the Douglas County Coroner’s Office is participating in the Cook-Off and selling their meats. At least one other agency is expected to participate.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a day outside with music, vendors, and food,” Sparks said. “If last year is any indication, it will be well-attended, and citizens can expect to have lots of fun.”
