The Heartland Network is rolling out a trio of holiday-themed “Barbecue Country” specials tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebration this summer.
The three episodes will air around Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day ( May 21, July 2 and Sept. 3) as part of a partnership between the network and the national America250 initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Filmed at Fiddler’s Grove in Wilson County, Tennessee, the specials center on timed barbecue competitions featuring professional chefs and championship pitmasters. The episodes are hosted by television personality Alecia Davis alongside award-winning pitmaster Russ Lannom. World Champion pitmaster Tim Scheer also appears as part of the judging and culinary lineup.
Each competition gives contestants two hours to prepare a featured protein and side dish using supplied ingredients and cooking equipment. Competitors are allowed to bring only their personal knives.
Celebrity guest judges scheduled to appear throughout the specials include country music artists Tracy Lawrence, Scotty Hasting, Darryl Worley, and HunterGirl, along with the duo 2 Lane Summer.
The episodes also include appearances from local community members connected to the holidays being recognized, including Gold Star parents Terry and Beth Burgess, retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John M. Pickler and Dr. Ben Graham of the U.S. Department of the Interior.
According to the network, the specials are designed to go beyond the cooking competition format by incorporating stories tied to patriotism, military service and American traditions as the country approaches its semiquincentennial celebration in 2026.
Culinary expert Roslyn King will appear in each episode with dessert segments and cooking demonstrations. King is also preparing a free companion “Barbecue Country Celebrates America” e-book that will be released after the Labor Day episode airs.
The specials are scheduled to air May 21, July 2 and Sept. 3 at 8 p.m. Eastern and 7 p.m. Central.
Viewers can watch through local Heartland affiliates, the It’s Real Good TV streaming app and the network’s livestream platform. The network said its programming currently reaches more than 93 million homes through affiliates across more than 100 U.S. markets.
Get After It Media, the parent company of Heartland, also operates Retro TV, The Family Channel and The Rev’n Action Channel.
