Tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs, smoked to perfection and coated in the mouth-watering spice rub. That was only one of the types of delicious barbecue served up at the fourth annual Sherman’s Last Burning Fall Festival and BBQ Cook-Off, hosted by the Covington Lions Club, which took place Friday and Saturday at American Legion Field.

More than 30 participants entered the BBQ Cook-Off, coming from near and far to send their best brisket, chicken, pork and rib dishes to the Lions Club judges.

One of the participants was Brad Marks, a local Mansfield Man with Papa’s Little Cookers. He said the secret to his ribs are the cookers, which are built by his brother-in-law. And of course, just like every other barbecue expert, he’s particularly fond of his own special rub.

"We’re just carrying on the family tradition of good barebecue," Marks said.

More than 60 vendors also showed up sporting everything from Italian ice and homemade donuts to Georgia paraphernalia and homemade jewelry.

And of course the always anticipated Miss Hazard Pageant and Covington Idol competitions were big hits. Newton County resident Billy Wilson Jr. sang "He Stopped Loving Her Today" by Country Artist George Jones and received a raucous applause. Wilson said his father was a singer for a long time, but Wilson recently picked up signing and figured he’d give it a try on the big stage.

"I just wanted to give it a shot," he said. And when asked if he’d do it again next year, he said "Oh yeah. It was a good time."