Eastern Florida State College’s 10th Annual Backyard BBQ Cook-Off and Family Fest raised $158,000 for student scholarships on Saturday, Feb. 23. The event, held on the EFSC Melbourne campus, marked the first time the cookoff exceeded $150,000 in a single year. Over 2,000 attendees participated in the outdoor celebration, which included live music, food trucks, and a charity gift bag raffle.
Smokin’ Dreams took home the grand championship title, beating out 45 other teams competing in the cookoff. The winning team, based in Melbourne, served brisket, ribs, and smoked chicken. Second place went to Big Al’s BBQ from Titusville, and third place to The Pitmasters from Palm Bay. All three teams received prizes from local sponsors, including a $500 gift card from Publix and a $1,000 donation to the EFSC Foundation.
The event’s total contributions now exceed $800,500 since its inception in 2016. Proceeds directly fund scholarships for EFSC students, with 85% of the money going to first-time, full-time students. The EFSC Foundation said the cookoff has become a key fundraiser for the college, with attendance growing steadily each year.
Local band Hot Pink provided music throughout the day, and activities for children included face painting, balloon art, and a bounce house. Vendor booths lined the campus, offering everything from handmade crafts to local produce. The event concluded with a raffle drawing, where one attendee won a $500 gift card to a local restaurant.