Pig in the Park set for April 13
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on April 2, 2013 1:46 PM
The annual Pig in the Park again promises to honor the area's rich barbecue tradition, while providing an array of activities and entertainment for families during the weekend of April 12-13.
This is the fourth year for the event, a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club presented by Goldsboro Milling Co. and Sam's Club in partnership with Goldsboro County Travel and Tourism and Goldsboro Downtown Development Corp.
Held Saturday, April 13, at Old Waynesborough Park from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine, it features pig-cooking contests, vendors and music. Eastern Carolina Vintage Farm Equipment Club will also be on hand, with a tractor display and wagon rides featured. Rides will be $2 for adults, $1 for children age 4 to 12, and children 3 and under ride free.
Nine teams are participating in this year's "Backyard BBQ" division, said Jo Heidenreich, development director at the Boys & Girls Club, and all 25 spaces have been filled for the "whole hog cook-off," vying for the title of Wayne County's Best Barbecue.
The Backyard BBQ winner is determined by blind judging, with trophies given to the top three finishers.
The "whole hog cook-off" event will be certified by N.C. Pork Council-approved judges and the top three teams will be eligible to enter the NCPC state championship barbecue cook-off. Other prizes include $300 for the first place and entry fee paid for the state contest; $175 for second place; and $150 for third place.
After the 10:30 a.m. judging, barbecue plates will be served from noon until 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5 each and must be purchased in advance, by contacting Jo Heidenreich at 919-735-2358 or jheidenreichbgcwayne@nc.rr.com.
The entertainment line-up this year features the Drumming Up Character drumline from the Boys & Girls Club, starting at 11:30 a.m. Mighty Saints of Soul will perform from noon until 2, followed by the Blake Kearney Band from 2-4 p.m.
The event actually kicks off downtown Friday evening, April 12, with the Barnyard Bar Bounce, starting at 7 p.m. at the Arts Council and followed by D's Sports Bar at 8; The Laughing Owl at 9; Torero's Mexican Restaurant at 10; and The Flying Shamrock at 11.
Another aspect of the fundraiser is the Boss Hog competition, featuring an all-male line-up of contenders this year.
Reigning champion Kirk Keller, sponsored by The Flying Shamrock, returns to defend his title. He is pitted against Bill Edgerton, representing Torero's Mexican Restaurant; Brad Hood, D's Sports Bar; Geoff Hulse, The Laughing Owl; and Steve Keen, B&G Grill.
Between now and April 12, purchase a set of pig lips in support of your favorite candidate for the title. Votes are $1 each and $5 lips are also available for purchase. The top vote-getter wins the title of Boss Hog and gets to kiss a pig at this year's Pig in the Park.
For more information on the event, call 919-735-2358 or go online to www.piginthepark.com.