Fourth Annual Pickles, Pigs and Swigs

MOUNT OLIVE—Fall is around the corner, and in Mount Olive that means the aroma of pork barbecue cooking on grills, wafting over downtown.

The fourth annual Pickles, Pigs & Swigs returns to Mount Olive Friday and Saturday, November 8-9. The N.C. Pork Council-sanctioned whole hog barbecue cook-off gets underway Friday evening, followed by the Saturday festival and BBQ sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day features live music, craft beer from R&R Brewing, free Mt. Olive Pickles, local vendors, rides on the Pickle Train, and more.

Organizers are seeking cook teams, sponsors, local vendors, and good weather.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Mount Olive Community Development Corporation in its efforts to spearhead downtown revitalization efforts. Late last year, the Mount Olive CDC funded the establishment of a Downtown Strategic Plan designed for implementation over the next five years. Two of the four action teams are already at work, as well as the plan’s Community Round Table, which meets monthly.

Pickles, Pigs & Swigs currently seeks cook teams for the BBQ competition. As in previous years, the competition will be limited to 20 teams, accepted on a first come, first served basis. Prizes for this year’s contest are $1,200, $600 and $300 for first, second and third places, respectively.

Those interested in fielding a team must apply and pay online at www.picklespigsswigs.com.

The event is also looking for sponsors and local vendors. For more information, contact the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce at 919-658-3113 or visit the website at www.picklespigsswigs.com.