By Phoebe Donald Robinson / Community Columnist

The heart of downtown Columbiana will turn into an all-day BBQ feast and music festival Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. as the Shelby County Shindig will feature everything you could want in a day of great food, entertainment and fun.

The shindig is the main fundraiser for the Shelby County Arts Council and South Shelby Chamber of Commerce.

“This is the primary fundraiser benefiting both the SCAC and SSCC,” said SCAC Executive Director Bruce Andrews. “The money raised is vital to both these organizations. SCAC uses the much needed profits to continue local operations and SSCC uses the money to sponsor school scholarships. The event features amateur and ‘semi-pro’ BBQ teams from around the state! This is a ‘non-sanctioned’ cook off, set up for fun, friendly competition.”

The parking lot behind Davis Drug and the SCAC building will be turned into shindig heaven, rain or shine. Park your car at the Shelby County Courthouse and drive the Columbiana Trolley to the shindig. Entry is free but tasting armbands are $10, available at SCAC.  Public tasting begins at 4 p.m. Bob Sykes of Bob Sykes BBQ is lead judge. There will a Chef Choice for anything cooked on grill and People’s Choice voted on from 4-6 p.m. during the tasting party for best Boston butt and chicken.

Live music will begin at noon till 8 p.m. featuring the “Acoustic/Americana” stage right behind the SCAC. Music acts booked are: Cory Tucker, pop-singer song writer from Rome, Ga.; Matt Willis and Taylor Hunnicutt, great guitar and soulful female blues; John Bull and Sheffield, award winning traditional blues; John Scalici from “Get Rhythm”, a public drum circle; Hope Cassidy, original singer songwriter from Nashville, 2BLU award winning acoustic duo.

Shindig will feature Bernie’s beverage tent; newly crowned Miss Shelby County, Miss Shelby County Teen and Ms. Senior Heart of Dixie; artist and local vendors and children’s events including face painting. Bring your lawn chair, but not your cooler.

Teams cost $250 and sponsorships start at $50.  Piggly Wiggly is giving a discount for meat used in the BBQ cook off. If interested, contact Sandra Annonio at 669-004 or sandra@shelbycountyartscouncil.com.