The Singing River Smoke-O-Rama — an annual nonprofit charity barbecue contest in Athens — raised $10,000 during its first event on March 22-23 to donate to the Singing River Trail Monday, Sept. 23.
“To be able to do this, and give back to our community that gives so much, is actually an honor,” Lynn Rager, a committee member for the Smoke-O-Rama, said before the check presentation at City Hall. “The Singing River Trail is a 200 mile greenway spanning multiple counties in North Alabama, so for us to be a part of that is a true blessing.”
Rager hoped that the money, which was raised through the “generosity of our sponsors,” the cook teams who paid fees to participate in the event and the people who attended, goes to supporting the further development of the trail system.
Sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, the largest BBQ organization in the world according to Rager, the annual Smoke-O-Rama was created by local judges who desired to bring a barbecue contest to Athens.
There were 38 cooking teams that participated in the inaugural event at the Limestone County Sheriff’s Rodeo Arena. Each team competed for a slice of the $5,000 pool prize money, with the grand prize winner receiving $1,500. In addition to the contest, there was also a craft fair with handmade items and paintings from local artists to help raise money for the Singing River Trail.
“I’m proud to be a sponsor of the Singing River Trail,” Don Byford, president of the Smoke-O-Rama told The News Courier. “It’s a great thing that promotes the outdoors and people getting out to exercise. It allows people to be able to go out and enjoy nature on a good, safe trail.”
The judges of the Smoke-O-Rama — known as the “Singing River BBQ Buddies” — presented the $10,000 check, with the help of Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks, to the Singing River Trail’s Interim Executive Director Anna Clem and various other members of her team.
Clem took over the executive director position in late June, following former director John Kvach being arrested for six charges relating to the possession and distribution of child pornography on June 24.
Rager said that he hopes the money will be beneficial in helping the Singing River Trail organization turn the page and move forward into their next chapter. As for his nonprofit charity, he already has his eyes on the future for their next fundraising charity contest.
“As we gain momentum and gain sponsors, we feel like we are going to be able to do more for our community next year,” Rager said. “Two projects that are near and dear to our hearts are the Limestone County Sheriff’s Special Needs Rodeo and the ‘Shop with a Cop’ program the Athens Police Department does. We are looking forward to funding those two things at our next Smoke-O-Rama.”
For more information on the Singing River Smoke-O-Rama, please visit their website at singingriversomeorama.com.