1. It's not on a tiny residential street. If you have been to your share of BBQ contests in the south, this contest is on a MAJOR thoroughfare through a small town. It is on a 5-lane state highway just outside Gadsden proper. It is on the tail end of Lookout Mountain.
2. We did this contest in 2010. It is fairly well organized, good water and power and it is in a parking lot with grass islands behind you if you want to put your tent/chairs there for a slightly cooler atmosphere.
3. IIRC, there are a couple of cheap motels close by. There is a Jack's (AL based hamburger joint) within walking distance just behind the Falls at the park for a late snack Friday night or a Saturday morning breakfast. There's a convenience store across the road for ice/beer/etc.
4. The garbage trucks come through beeeeping at 4 am. Be ready.
5. There is a decent amount of family entertainment at the park. Mini-golf, train ride, walking through the park, the Falls, etc.
6. Top 'o the River is not really a seafood place, but a huge catfish/shrimp/chicken place that draws a Fri-Sat night crowd from 4-5 surrounding counties. It opens at 5pm CDT. I'd suggest getting there shortly after the cook's meeting or you're gonna wait 20-30 minutes.
7. Academy Sports at the end of I-459 usually carries B&B Lump (Oak) and has a decent amount of BBQ supplies. Lowe's is next door. Continue down the road (left turn at the light at end of I-459) and there's a Wal-mart, Firehouse Subs, TJ Maxx for kitchen supplies, etc.
8. Entry fee too damn high.
