NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Main Street was blocked off for barbecue and boxcars on Friday. 

 

The brisket contest actually started at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday night, as some smokers — like the North Adams Fire Department — fired up their charcoal for the long cooking process. 

 

"The teams have been cooking up a storm since 11 o'clock last night. They've been having so much fun," said Mayor Jennifer Macksey. "I believe the Fire Department did breakfast this morning with breakfast sandwiches. Then Dough Boys had pizza this afternoon. So even if you're not able to participate tonight, just walking by, people have been eating."

 

The event had been scheduled for last Sunday but postponed after an early Nor'easter dumped rain over the region. 

 

At Monument Square, cars were lifted onto a contraption constructed by McCann Technical School students that would give the racers in the two age groups a boost as they traveled down the hill to a large blow-up finish line in front of the Mohawk Theater.

 

Waiting for them was Police Lt. Anthony Beverly with a "certified LiDAR unit," which he said recorded top speeds of 14 mph for the winners of both age categories.

 

"Our goal is we want everybody to make it across the finish line. Remember last year we lost some people," said Macksey. "My hope is I don't have to push anybody this year."