Mount Olive BBQ Cook-off and Fall Festival Returns October 28-29

MOUNT OLIVE—The smell of pork barbecue cooking on grills will once again waft over downtown Mount Olive when Pickles, Pigs & Swigs, presented by Smithfield Foods, returns in October. The second annual event is set for Friday and Saturday, October 28-29.

The N.C. Pork Council-sanctioned whole hog barbecue cook-off gets underway Friday evening. The Saturday festival, featuring a BBQ plate sale, runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will also feature live music, craft beer from R&R Brewing, and free Mt. Olive Pickles. Local vendors, the Pickle Train, and agricultural equipment displays are also planned.

After donating the pigs for the competition last year, Smithfield Foods is on board this year as presenting sponsor – “we are so grateful for their support,” Ms. Beck said. “Smithfield is just a great community partner.”

Event additions include a limited number of 10 x 10 spaces that will be available for festivalgoers to reserve for the day, where folks can bring their own chairs, tables and tents for that space and enjoy the afternoon of food and music. A festival website is also in development.

The field for this first year will be limited to 20 teams, and teams will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Event organizers are also seeking general festival sponsors. Those interested in teams or sponsorships can apply and pay online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/pickles-pigs-swigs-3614/ Forms for download and print, with payment by check, are also available at that link or by calling the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce at 919-658-3113.