The aroma of mouthwatering BBQ again filled the air in Athens. The second annual Singing River Smoke-O-Rama BBQ Festival, was held at 18118 AL Highway 99, March 21-22. The nationally sanctioned BBQ competition was the festival’s main event, but it also featured a corn hole tournament, family-friendly activities, craft vendors and food. For the 2025 Singing River Smoke-O-Rama, Backyard Ribs Competition, LeelaQ BBQ took first place, Puddleduck BBQ came in second, and Small Batch BBQ earned third place. LeelaQ BBQ is a team from Cullman, Ala., consisting of Lisa Swindoll and her husband, Patrick Swindoll.