From staff reports

The Selma Lions Club came out on top of the Blackbelt Benefit Group’s annual Rockin’ Rib-Off and Rick Carter Songwriter Festival in downtown Selma Saturday..

“We are stunned for winning the best ribs,” the club said in a statement. “We enjoyed being able to compete with other organizations in our community.”

The annual event is a benefit for the All Things Are Possible (ATAP) Community Development Corporation supporting the Winston Williams Homeless Shelter. It is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that serves as the outreach arm of Gospel Tabernacle Church.

In addition to winning the top prize, the Lions Club donated $1,500 of the prize went back to ATAP and the shelter. 

Taking the runner-up spot was KFC Selma followed by Full Grown BBQ sponsored by Dave’s Market. SDAC of Selma was the winner of the people’s choice award.

Judges for the rib-off included State Sen. Robert Stewart, Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn, Selma City Council President Billy Young and State Rep. Prince Chestnut.

The songwriter festival also featured hours of regional songwriters performing for the crowds at the festival. The performers took to two stages on Water Street for the annual festival.