Atlanta Kosher BBQ Fest to Benefit 6 Nonprofits

The fifth annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival is taking place from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, at Liane Levetan Park at Brook Run in Dunwoody, but its impact should last long after the expected 4,000 attendees digest their fill of smoked meats.

The festival will support six charitable causes: Jewish Education Loan Fund (JELF), I Care Atlanta, Jewish Family & Career Services, Helping Feed Atlanta, Weinstein Hospice and the Cobb County Police K9 Unit.

The benevolent society Hebrew Order of David runs the annual kosher barbecue event, which takes on the festival name this year after previously being called a competition.

“It is the mission of the Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival to raise awareness of and provide support for worthwhile charities while bringing the community together,” festival Executive Director Jody Pollack said. “We are proud to be supporting several local charities positively impacting our community.”

Five of the six beneficiaries will receive money from the festival’s sale of tickets to sample the food of the more than 20 teams competing to prove they make the best chicken, ribs, brisket and beans.

The sixth organization, JF&CS, will hold a kosher food drive at the festival. Attendees are asked to bring kosher, nonperishable food items in exchange for free tasting tickets.

Admission to the festival is free.

“The Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival is about delicious food, family entertainment and giving back to the greater community,” festival Co-Director Ian Platt said. “Festival-goers will enjoy a wonderful afternoon all while supporting invaluable organizations.”

The competition takes place under the supervision of the Atlanta Kosher Commission and is judged by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. Tasting tickets are $1, and vendors also will be selling food.

The Atlanta Jewish Music Festival will provide entertainment, and children’s activities will be available.

For more information, visit theatlantakosherbbq.com.