Little League event hits homerun

By Jessica Coleman

Contributing Writer

    After months of meticulous planning, finding participants, arranging for locations and obtaining approval from the City of Edna to occupy Shelby Park for an entire Saturday, it was raining when the time for the Edna Little League First Annual BBQ Cookoff was set to begin on April 17.

    Organizers had said the event would take place “rain or shine,” though, and they meant it.

    A little precipitation didn’t slow down competitors, who showed up looking to earn a Grand Champion plaque while supporting a local sports organization.

    As rain poured down midday Saturday, jubilant music greeted attendees, smoke oozed out of pits and the smell of sauce and spices filled the air at Shelby Park. Campers and canopies lined the area, full of people hoping their brisket or beans would be named the best.

    “Even though the weather was a little wet for a while, it finally cleared out and allowed us to have an awesome event,” said Edna Little League President William Alex.

    27 teams lined up to prepare their favorite brisket, beans, chicken, and ribs.

     “We offered about $3500 in payouts along with plaques for first, second, and third place in each category, as well as grand and reserve champions” said Alex.

    For some, though, the win wasn’t about the cash, as many generous winners donated their winnings back to the Little League program.

    Part social event, part fundraiser, the cookoff was, by all accounts, a great first installment of what hopes to be a annual event.

    “Overall, I’d say it was a huge success, and we look forward to hosting it again next year,” said Alex.