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Jefferson Community Club and Jefferson Volunteer Fire Department will host their springtime Jefferson Barbecue on Saturday, April 15, at Jefferson Community Club. Barbecue will be sold by the pound at 8:30 a.m., and take-out plates will be available as well.

The cost is $10 per pound or per takeout plate. The plate includes barbecue, homemade potato salad and cake, bread, and pickles. Pints of Jefferson’s signature sauce will be available for $3. Cash is preferred, and checks are accepted, but no debit or credit cards are accepted.

The event has been a sell-out for several years. There are no pre-sales and no holds. Both options will be available for purchase beginning at 8:30 a.m., continuing until the barbecue has sold out.

Jefferson Barbecue is a longstanding gathering tradition in Marengo County, but travelers come from across the county, even state lines, for a taste of the unique recipe. In fact, the event has seen sell-out crowds more times than not in recent years. For a few years, all barbecue has been sold before noon.

“Barbecue has sold out in record time for the last few years,” said George Norris, Jefferson’s Fire Chief. “We cook all that our pit will hold, and it takes a solid day and night to cook, so when it’s gone, it’s gone.”

They pack the pork shoulders on their onsite pit until every inch is covered, and the meat smokes for 24 hours over hickory coals. Members of the community spend at least a few days prior baking, cooking, and prepping.

“It’s great for any organization to have a fundraiser that sells out because that means you have support and that people enjoy what you have to offer,” said Pam Locke Baker. “On the other hand, it’s tough to see friends drive up when the last pound has been sold and have to tell them that we’ve sold out. That’s why we can’t promise that we will continue serving into the afternoon, it does not last that long.”

“Our community is blessed to have the level of volunteerism that we have and also the support that we get from so many others for a successful fundraiser,” said Betsy Compton Luker, a member of the volunteer fire department. “It’s about good food, for sure, but also, having such support for this event makes a lot of difference for our department and has a huge positive impact on our community, while also preserving one of our county’s greatest traditions.”

Proceeds from the barbecue benefit both the community club and the fire department, and it’s the only fundraiser for each organization.

JVFD’s coverage area includes not only the immediate five-mile stretch adjacent to the station, but also mileage of U.S. Highway 80 west as far as Plaza Golf Carts in Demopolis, County Roads 21 and 57, Rangeline Road, and dozens of dirt roads throughout the community. The department is manned entirely by volunteers.

Jefferson Community Club is located on Highway 28 in the Jefferson community. The physical address is 26098 Alabama Highway 28, Demopolis.