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Alabama's barbeque cook-off is part of the Demopolis Christmas On The River pageant, which began in 1972. The barbeque cook-off became part of the festivities in 1989 and has since grown to include barbeque teams from nine states, 75 judges, and thousands of barbeque fanatics from across the country. In 1991 the barbeque cook-off received honors officially from the state of Alabama.
Festivities for the Christmas on the River pageant go on for an entire week, including the barbeque cook-off contest, arts, crafts, parades, music, and dancing. There are three categories in the barbeque cookoff competition: ribs, shoulders and whole-hog. The winners earn entry into the World Championship Memphis In May Barbeque Cooking Contest, where the international barbeque champion is chosen.
There are different opinions as to the origin of the word barbeque. Some claim that it's a derivative of the West Indian word "barbacoa", which means meat cooked over hot coals. Others believe the word comes from the French term "barbe a queue" meaning "from whiskers to tail."
The history of southern barbeque itself is more clear. Pigs were a low-maintenance food source for southerners and became a staple (pigs could be put out to root in the forest and caught when needed). Every part of the pig was utilized, and slaughtering became a time for celebration - the neighborhood would be invited to share in the festivities. The traditional southern barbeque grew out of these gatherings
In the nineteenth century, barbecue was a feature at church picnics and political rallies as well as at private parties. A barbeque was a popular and relatively inexpensive way to lobby for votes, and the organizers of political rallies would provide barbeque and lemonade.
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