Alabama State Championship "Christmas on the River" Cook-off Days
By the Governor of the State of Alabama
A Proclamation
November 01, 2009

WHEREAS, the “Christmas on the River Barbecue Cook-off” originated in Demopolis in 1989 as part of “Christmas on the River” festivities; and

WHEREAS, the Cook-off is an event that involves teams from nine different states, 75 judges and 15,000 barbecue enthusiasts; and

WHEREAS, four categories are included in the “Christmas on the River Barbecue Cook-off,” which are ribs, chicken, brisket and pork; and

WHEREAS, teams are often attired in colorful outfits and are known by such distinctive names as Butt Masters, Big Sonny’s BBQ, Backyard Buddies and Big Bee Que and are judged on congeniality, showmanship and cooking; and

WHEREAS, in 1991, the Demopolis “Christmas on the River Barbecue Cook-off” was designated as the Official Alabama State Barbecue Championship; and

WHEREAS, the winner of the Cook-off is eligible to participate in the World Championship, “Kansas City Barbeque Society Cooking Contest”:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bob Riley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim December 4-5, 2009, as

Alabama State Championship "Christmas on the River" Cook-off Days

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of November 2009.

Governor Bob Riley