Summit is getting ready for its third installment of Smokin’ on the Tracks, and after running short of pretty much everything last year, organizers are taking steps to make sure there will be plenty of food and fun on hand this year.
The annual barbecue contest and festival grew exponentially last year, and organizers are preparing for more more people with setting up more food and drink, music, events and a bigger car show, which made a rollicking debut in 2013.
This year’s event will be held Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12 in Summit.
Organizer Ann Jackson told the Summit Town Council on Tuesday that this year, more barbecue will be available — both for judging and for sale, and attendees will have a chance to get it on both ends of Robb Street.
Musical acts include Castro Coleman, winner of the 2013 International Blues Challenge, who will open the festival from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jackson said.
A 5K run is in the plans this year, starting at Summit First Baptist Church, going to Southwest Mississippi Community College and ending at the railroad depot.
A car show that began last year will return, and classic cars are expected to be lined up all along Robb Street.
“That’s going to be from 10 in the morning till 3” on Saturday the 12th, Jackson said.
Beer will be served, and organizers are calling in a refrigerated truck to store ice, which ran out last year.
“We sold out of food. We had people who were very unhappy,” Jackson said.
Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church will cook and sell barbecue, Jackson said.
“We were able to get that big commercial cooker from The Rib Crib,” said Councilman Lester Swanigan, who is a member of Pine Grove and has competed on barbecue teams the past two years.
Judging begins at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jackson said.
“If you know anybody who wants to form a team, encourage them to come join us. It’s very fun,” said organizer Elizabeth Jumper.
