Jerry Futch took his family to the Houston County Farm Center on Saturday for two simple reasons.

“Barbecue and beer, that pretty much sums it up for me,” Futch said.

He got his wish at PorktoberQue, a barbecue festival held at the farm center that featured numerous barbecue vendors from around the area as well as games and music.

Futch and his family arrived at about 3 p.m. and were happy with what they saw.

“We’re still looking around, but it seems to be going pretty well so far,” said Futch, a Dothan resident. “I’m gonna try a couple (barbecue) places and see if they’re better than me. Most of the time I cook it myself.”

Frankie Taylor and his wife traveled from Donalsonville, Ga.

“We were just riding by and happened to see it,” said Taylor, who considers himself something of a barbecue connoisseur. “We come over this way a lot shopping. It looks like they had a pretty good showing out here today. I probably will try some (food).”

For Webb resident Jeff Davis, attending the festival was a no-brainer once his wife told him about it.

“I’m definitely gonna try some barbecue before I leave,” he said, making his way through a cup of boiled peanuts.

Even those who volunteered at the festival found themselves enjoying the surroundings.

“We’re volunteering at one of the beer tents, but now we’re checking out some of the barbecue,” said Jeff Wills. “We wanted to see what it’s like. It’s great. I really enjoy it. The barbecue’s good and they’ve got some good stuff in here.”

The only real controversy arose when gauging the best style of barbecue.

“I eat it pretty regular, and I mostly like the smoked-type barbecue,” Taylor said.

Davis favors barbecue with a bit of kick.

“I like spicy (barbecue) on pulled pork,” he said, adding that Larry’s is his local establishment of choice.

Wills has a longtime affinity for another barbecue style.

“I like the Carolina-style barbecue, because that’s where I’m from,” said Wills, who said he is a frequent customer of The BBQ Shack in Dothan.

Futch usually prefers his own flavoring, and he has a specific taste in mind.

“I like it sweet but not too sweet,” he said. “Sweet and tangy barbecue is good for me.”