There are lots of things that go into making good barbecue: temperature of the fire, the hardwood used to flavor the smoke and even the type of cooker used.

But good barbecue cannot exist without a good sauce, which is one reason why Martha Jane Montgomery of Centre, Ala., was in Cave Spring this weekend. Her husband Lamar Montgomery has been making his barbecue sauce for the past 35 years, and the couple started bottling it under the Daddy Mar’s label.

Montgomery said the key to a good sauce — she likes her’s with a tangy bite to it — comes from good ingredients. But what are those ingredients that go into a good sauce?

“I can’t tell! That’s the secret,” she said.

Despite her silence on the issue of ingredients, it didn’t stop competitors from coming up with their own recipes to try out during the Cave Spring Pig Out, which took place Saturday in Rolater Park.

Nancy Boehm, one of the organizers for the Pig Out, said that 14 teams competed to see who would leave with the bragging rights for the best barbecue in town.

This year’s proceeds from admission and tasting fees went to help the Welcome Center and the History Museum pay off some debt and bring in new artifacts.

And what Boehm said was even better was that the weather turned out perfect for this year’s Pig Out.

“It’s a gorgeous day, and most of the time it is a gorgeous day,” she said of the annual event. “We’re all just kind of hometown, laid back and having a good time. We’re all about everybody having a good time when they come here.”

Barbecue wasn’t the only thing for spectators to try out during this year’s barbecue in Rolater Park. Ford Motor Co. provided two new Ford Escapes for the event, donating $1 to the Feeding the Hungry program of Georgia for every person that registered to play arcade-style games.

Along with jewelry, artwork and other crafts for sale, the Pig Out also featured a wagon tour of historic Cave Spring, inflatables provided by Coosa Valley Credit Union, an Antique Car Show and firing demonstrations on the hour by the Cherokee Artillery.

Winners of the Pig Out BBQ Cook-Off

Boston Butts

1st — Brew Crew from Gadsden, Ala.

2nd — Curly Tails from Dallas

3rd — Daddy Mar’s from Forney, Ala.

Ribs

1st — Curly Tails from Dallas

2nd — Rhino Ribs from Rome

3rd — Brew Crew from Gadsden, Ala.

Brisket

1st — Smokin’ Gun from Armuchee

2nd — Curly Tails from Dallas

3rd — Bad Dad’s BBQ from Rome

People’s Choice

1st — Bubba’s BBQ from Cave Spring

2nd — Billy Mac’s BBQ from Cave Spring

3rd — Team Burkhalter from Rome