The Jefferson County BackStoppers BBQ, which raised more than $150,000 last year for first responders, is back on Saturday at the Big River VFW in Cedar Hill.
If a variety of barbecue favorites provided by the Screaming Eagle Grill team isn’t enough to draw a crowd, attendees will have the chance to win a 2026 Ford Maverick pickup if they enter the grand prize raffle drawing at the event.
Jamie Guinn, chief at the North Jefferson County Ambulance District and president of the Jefferson County BackStoppers, said all proceeds from the event benefit BackStoppers, a Brentwood-based nonprofit that supports families of first responders who are severely injured or die in the line of duty.
“We hope it’s a wonderful event,” he said. “It’s for a great cause, supporting the mission of BackStoppers. When something happens, when someone loses their life in the line of duty or is injured, BackStoppers steps in and helps take care of their families to ensure they’re OK. It’s something they do for life.”
Since Chuck and Cindy Gerding, owners of Gerding Enterprises in Dittmer, started the event more than 10 years ago, the barbecue has raised more than $690,000 for BackStoppers.
Chuck also owns and operates the Screaming Eagle Grill, which donates its time and proceeds annually to the barbecue.
Guinn said Jefferson County BackStoppers is playing a larger role in the barbecue this year, taking over more of the fundraising aspect and leaving the barbecuing up to Chuck and his grill team.
The event starts at 11 a.m. at the VFW hall, 1 Lynn Lane, and includes musical performances, kids’ activities, first responder meet-and-greets and a fireworks show. There is no admission fee.
The Screaming Eagle Grill team plans to sell barbecue ribs, chicken, pork steaks, brats, pork burgers and hot dogs, along with sides such as potato salad, mac and cheese, coleslaw, and pork and beans.
“The Screaming Eagle Grill team puts out some of the best barbecue you’ve ever had,” Guinn said. “Chuck is very particular; if it doesn’t meet his standards, the food won’t leave.”
The winning raffle ticket for the pickup from Reuther Ford is expected to be drawn during the barbecue. Guinn said if a pickup isn’t your style, the grand prize winner can instead opt for $15,000 in cash.
The second-place winner will receive $2,500, the third-place winner will get $1,500 and the fourth-place winner will get $1,000.
Raffle tickets are $10 each and may be purchased at the barbecue or through the BackStoppers of Jefferson County, Missouri Facebook page.
Several local bands will play throughout the day, including Midwest’s Most Wanted, The Southside Johnny Band and the Killer Wails. A roughly 15-minute fireworks show courtesy of J&M Displays will conclude the day’s events, Guinn said.