Fans of the Food Network will soon see some familiar scenery as the City of Gadsden’s annual Smoke on the Falls BBQ Competition will be highlighted by the network.

Smoke on the Falls is one of six competitions nationwide that will be featured on an upcoming show focusing on barbecue that will air in July.

“It’s an honor to be selected by the Food Network,” said Janet Tarrance, Event Supervisor for the City of Gadsden and coordinator for the sanctioned barbecue event. “This is a huge deal for us because I’ve dreamed of being featured on a show like this.”

“To top it off, they’re bringing Chef Michael Symon,” she added.

Symon is a celebrity chef who has worked extensively in both restaurants and television. He has hosted numerous Food Network and Cooking Channel shows, along with appearances on networks like ABC.

The Food Network is expected to have a crew interviewing some of the Smoke on the Falls competitors, trying their food and assisting with the presentation of awards.

Smoke on the Falls is presented by the City of Gadsden Parks and Recreation Department and is a Kansas City Barbecue Society Certified Barbecue contest.

In 2021, dozens of teams from 18 different states competed for thousands of dollars in prize money in the Professional and Backyard divisions, and previous competitions even featured international teams.

More than 125 KCBS certified judges travel to Gadsden for Smoke on the Falls.

Smoke on the Falls is in its 13th year, and this year’s event is set for April 9, 2022. The event is part of a weekend of activities at Noccalula Falls Park that includes the Art on the Rocks craft show.