Jan 25 to 26
Established in 1997, the Lakeland Pig Festival has grown to attract more than 30,000 people, including hundred of teams competing in the barbeque competition. The event is hosted at the Joker Marchant Stadium, also known as Tiger Town, at the end of each January. Activities include cooking classes, cook-offs for kids and adults, children's entertainment, live music and much more.
Joker Marchant Stadium Address: 2301 Lakeland Hills Blvd Lakeland FL USA 33805
This is a chance to see and visit with many of the top teams you read about and see on TV.
Arguably the best winter contest in the country and draws a deep selection of top teams.
I believe it is the largest Backyard KCBS cookoff in the country as well.
This is where the restaurants and top amateurs get to compete.
The Pro division is a qualifier for the Jack Daniels and the American Royal Invitationals.
The top Fl team wins the Governor's Cup as the top team from Florida.
This may well be the largest concentration of FEC 100s at any contest in the country,as well as several larger FEC cookers.
We expect Stuart Powell,Cookshack President,and Fast Eddy,hisownself.
We keep hopin' to get Smokin' Okie there some year.
Most of the top bbq class teachers will also be competing.
I don't believe there is any admission charge and there is a lot for families to do.
There are typically several cooking demos,as well.
This is one of the few cookoffs where many of the top teams also vend and sell their bbq.
As usual,Friday is the best day to visit teams and look at equipment.
Sat is pretty hectic up until about 2 PM,after turnins are finished.
Fast Eddy is also bringing the new pellet fired grill that everyone is so excited about.
This is one of the times you can catch drbbq,top cook,teacher,author of several bbq books[ yes,he will autograph yours-if you bring them]and tv and radio personality.
He also teaches for Cookshack,cooks on them,and competes on a FEC 100.
He is the national spokesman for the Big Green Egg Company and happy to discuss bbq with you.
Hope to see many of ya'll there.
Stop by Bonesmokers/drbbq and visit with Ray,Ribdog,Barbara and me.
Let us know if you need any info.