Grills light up at Southern Wayne for sanctioned Pigskin Cook-Off
By From staff reports
Published in News on October 17, 2014 1:46 PM
DUDLEY -- The Southern Wayne Saints Booster Club's Pigskin Cook-Off, a N.C. Pork Council-sanctioned competition, will be held this weekend.
The winner from a field of 10 teams will represent Southern Wayne High School at the 2015 North Carolina Whole Hog Barbecue State Championship. Last year's winner, James Wilder of Wilder's Old Style BBQ in Dudley, competed in Raleigh at the 2014 state cook-off Oct. 3.
But aside from bragging rights, the event is also about school spirit and community. The grills will fire up at 8 p.m. today during the Southern Wayne-South Central homecoming football game, and activities for students, including a kickball tournament, are being finalized for after the game on the football field.
The event also will feature a classic car show by the Wayne County Cruisers and an antique tractor show by the Eastern Carolina Vintage Farm Equipment Club. The shows will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in front of the school.
"We encourage folks to come by the school, check out the cars and tractors, and join us for lunch," Adrian O'Neal, club president, said. "We are delighted to have the Wayne County Cruisers join us this year, as well as the tractor club. We believe they will add to our day immensely."
The plate sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Drive-throughs will also set up at the school and on N.C. 55 next to Roberts Machine Shop in Mount Olive during those same hours.
In addition to barbecued pork, the club will also offer barbecued chicken plates. All plates are $8 each, and tickets are available through any Southern Wayne student or by calling 919-222-4322.
Those who would like plates can also purchase them at the school and at the drive-throughs on Saturday.
"We are, of course, making a big push on ticket sales this week," said Lynn Williams, club secretary. "Students who turn in money for at least three tickets receive a free pass to the homecoming game, and they also qualify for daily and weekly prize drawings."
The event is designed to generate funds for Southern Wayne's athletics programs. The cook-off has generated more than $22,000 for the booster club over the last two years, and organizers hope to substantially grow that amount this year.