4th Annual
Organizers prepare for fourth annual festival
By Michelle Dillon Cherokee County Living
The fourth annual Flamin’ J BBQ Fest is slated for Saturday, April 5, in downtown Jacksonville.
The festival serves as a fundraiser for the Jacksonville Police Officers Association and the Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association. Members of the JCPAAA, led by President Dillon Rodriguez, organize the community event.
Last year’ s event raised $ 9,900, which was distributed evenly between the two organizations. This year, Rodriguez said the JCPAAA will use the funds to establish a
8 Jacksonville Progress | Spring 2025
4th Annual
Flamin’ J BBQ Fest
4:00 p. m.- 9:30 p. m. Saturday, April 5 402 E. Commerce St.
Find tickets on Eventbrite by searching Flamin’ J BBQ 2025. scholarship fund in hopes of providing two $ 1,000 scholarships.
The Flamin’ J BBQ Fest will not host a taco division in 2025, but is returning to its original barbecue contest. Eight competitors had registered as of March 11, but with a registration deadline of March 21 there was still time for additional contestants.
First through third place prizes, as determined by judges, will be presented along with a total of $ 3,000 in cash prizes. Awards for first through third will also be presented for People’ s Choice. The top prize in both categories is $ 750. Second place will receive $ 500 and a $ 250 cash prize will be given to the third place finishers.