The Paola Roots Festival began 27 years ago when a group of men wanted to bring their families together to celebrate their community and friends. Since then, the festival has grown to include the East Central State BBQ Cook-Off and welcomes anyone who wants to join the fun.  

“The first year we had maybe 12 cookers. Before we knew it, we were capping it at 65 teams,” says Lee Mott, a vital contributor to the event for the past 25 years. “It’s become exactly what it set out to be, a place to bring people together. The barbecue is a big component of it.”  

The festival hosts live music, the barbecue competition, crafts, games and plenty of food vendors.    

“It's a tradition that has almost become a reunion for former residents,” says Mott.  

But even if you aren’t a resident or former resident of the town, you can be part of the 28th year of the festival and 18th year of the barbecue competition, held Aug. 25–26 in Paola.  

Visit the website for this sizzling event at www.rootsfestival.org/bbq.php.