Pork will be king at Arts Council's cook-off during Feast in the East
By Winkie Lee
Published in News on October 13, 2005 1:48 PM
There will be plenty of pork later this month when the Arts Council of Wayne County presents its third annual Swinefest.
As was true last year, the barbecue cook-off will be part of the second annual Feast in the East held at the Wayne County Fairgrounds.
The Arts Council's festivities will begin on Friday, Oct. 28, with the showmanship competition. Teams will have the chance to compete in both talent and site decorations. Three local judges will select the winner, who will receive a trophy.
At midnight, the cooking begins. Cook-off co-chairman Ven Faulk said he is expecting 15 to 30 teams to compete.
On Saturday, Oct. 29, judging will be held. Two-thirds of the score will be determined by three judges certified by the North Carolina Pork Council. They will judge the competition, taking into consideration appearance of the pig, skin crispness, taste, sauce flavor and overall appearance of the team's site. The other third of the score will come from results of a blind taste test conducted by three local judges.
Three prizes will be awarded to cook-off winners.
The first-place winning team will get a $500 cash prize, and its entry fee to both this year's state cook-off and next year's local cook-off will be paid.
Second-place winner will receive a $300 cash prize and plaque, and the third-place winner will receive a $200 cash prize and plaque.
The awards will be given out at about noon on Oct. 29.
From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., barbecue plates will be sold. Throughout the day, barbecue sandwiches will be sold.
Entry fees per team are $100.
Anyone who wants to sponsor a cooking team can do so by donating $100 to the Arts Council. Contributors' names will be displayed on site. Interested people can get an application form at the Arts Council, 2406 E. Ash St., by Friday, Oct. 21, or online at www.feastintheeast.org by Sunday, Oct. 23.
Proceeds will benefit the Arts Council.
In addition to Faulk, the cook-off is being overseen by Marty Shaw.
More information can be obtained by calling 736-3300.