Photo by Caleb Revill / Reporter
The aroma of smoked barbecue was in the air Saturday night at Smyrna’s fourth annual Depot District BBQ Festival on Front Street. Local vendors and barbecue enthusiasts alike prepared freshly cooked barbecue for the large crowd.
From barbecue food trucks to hotdog stands and funnel cake booths, attendees were treated to an assortment of southern treats.
The event was organized by the Smyrna Parks Department; Recreation Program Supervisor Marty Smith oversaw the planning of the festival.
“It’s a community event. We live in the south, and barbecue is a popular thing,” Smith said. “It’s something to provide the community with, and something to have for the citizens of Smyrna to enjoy.”
Local vendors, including Smokin’ Buttz BBQ, Flying Pig Pork Tenderloins, The Dawg Bar and T-Roys BBQ Shack, set up food trucks and booths for hungry guests.
There was a blow-up castle and miniature train ride for families with children, as well as several cornhole boards along the sidewalk. Meanwhile, the O’Donnells, a local father-son band from Rockvale, Tennessee, provided live music, playing a variety of country music.
In spite of last year’s festival being rained out, there was no shortage of event-goers at this year’s event. At least 242 people attended the event, according to the festival’s Facebook page. Many attendees formed long lines at the food trucks, keeping cooks busy throughout the night.
If any barbecue enthusiasts were unable to make this event, there’s always next year. Perhaps those who missed out can take some inspiration from this festival. BBQs are a great excuse to get the family together to cook up some lovely food and spend some necessary time together. Of course, if you have some composite decking to host the BBQ on, it will make the event even better. Take some comfy chairs outside and enjoy each other’s company whilst having a great BBQ. Hopefully you’ll be able to make the next festival for more ideas and inspiration for your next BBQ.
To contact News Editor Andrew Wigdor, email newseditor@mtsusidelines.com.
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