The Heartland Network Salutes America’s 250th With Barbecue Country Celebrates America
Award-Winning Champion Pitmaster Russ Lannom Delivers
Three Barbecue Country Specials Spotlighting the Summer’s Biggest Holidays: Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day
Hosted by Alecia Davis, Celebrity Judges Include: Tracy Lawrence,
Scotty Hasting, Darryl Worley, HunterGirl and 2 Lane Summer
Click HERE to Watch The Sizzle Reel
The Heartland Network, an official programming partner of America250, and Barbecue Country are marking America’s 250th anniversary with a trio of special holiday episodes, blending culinary competition with community storytelling dedicated to the American spirit. All three episodes were filmed at Fiddler’s Grove in Wilson County, Tennessee, a historic setting that underscores the series’ connection to heritage and tradition.
Hosted by TV Personality Alecia Davis, (EXTRA, CMT, Apple Music) alongside award-winning pit master Russ Lannom, with additional expertise from World Champion Tim Scheer of Blues Hog, each episode pits a professional chef against a championship pit master in a timed culinary showdown. Participants are tasked with preparing a pre-determined protein and a complementary side dish, using only the tools and ingredients provided—save for their personal knives—within a two-hour window.
Each installment also features two celebrity guest judges alongside notable members of the local community tied to the holiday being celebrated including Memories of Honor’s Amy Cotta, Gold Star parents Terry and Beth Burgess, retired U.S. Army Lieutenant General John M. Pickler, and Dr. Ben Graham from the U.S. Department of the Interior. Air dates are as follows: Memorial Day (5/21), Independence Day (7/2), Labor Day (9/3) all times 8PM Eastern/7PM Central.
Beyond the high-stakes cooking challenges, the episodes aim to capture the spirit and significance of each holiday, offering a deeper reflection on the traditions and shared experiences that define America as it approaches its semiquincentennial.
Culinary expert and cookbook editor Roslyn King serves up a special dessert in each episode, sharing her unique tips and professional techniques. King is also creating a companion Barbecue Country Celebrates America e-book, which will be released for free following the Labor Day finale. Viewers can sign up HERE to receive their copy.
The special series is presented with the support from our sponsorship partners Blues Hog, Wilson County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Yoder Smokers, and Wilson County Motors.
To find your local Heartland affiliate, visit watchheartlandtv.com. Viewers can also tune in via Heartland’s livestream on the It’s Real Good TV app, available on all major streaming platforms. Additionally, it can be livestreamed HERE.
