Mark your calendars while looking for things to do while staying in one of our Atlantic Beach vacation rentals. The 45th Annual USA’s Largest Volunteer, Non-Profit, Whole Hog BBQ Pig Cookin’ Contest is coming up this Spring, 2023! You will not want to miss out on this tasty experience.
It all started in 1978 when the director of a school for developmentally disabled children met with Mayor Derryl Garner. Doris Oglesby was working at the Newport Developmental Center in hopes of raising funds for furniture that would supply the school’s new addition that was under construction. Mayor Garner did not hesitate to help out as he reached out to 18 different churches and other organizations in the Newport area. He sought ideas as to how they could best raise the money.
Through these communications, a group of men that caught word had just recently taken part in a Pig Cooking contest the previous weekend in Jacksonville, NC. Larry Howard and Lionel Garner suggested that Newport should also join in. The goal of a $15,000 donation was set, and it was decided that 42 pigs would be cooked.
Since then, it has grown and evolved over many years and now has its own building stocked up with pig cooking supplies galore. Warmers, pots, pans, a ticket booth, and a souvenir trailer have been gifted by supporting businesses as an ode to how loved this family-friendly tradition is.
One of the amazing contributors is Jim Bristle, who is now president. Strictly a volunteer organization, Newport Pig Cookin Contest welcomes anyone and everyone who is interested in becoming an honored member. While the organization has evolved over the years, this charitable cause continues to donate its proceeds through grants and funds for churches, scout groups, and other non-profit organizations.
About the Festival
Here is what you should know if you are feeling an ‘oink’ling to get involved. Out of over 60+ participants, one will be judged and awarded for cooking the perfect pig with the best secret sauce. Nine other competitors that rank highest will also be acknowledged.
During the event, you can expect to see a whole hog cooked either on a large grill with propane gas–the most popular option–or with wood or charcoal. A whole hog means a whole pig, split down the middle, with no head or feet, and placed directly on the cooker.
Smoked meat, free food, entertainment, crafts, rides, and fun are available for the entire gang. How could anything else beat that?
Friday evening before the contest is when cooks will receive their hogs directly following the classic Chief Cook’s meeting. After that, it is up to the cook to decide how long and when they should start cooking. The next morning judges begin making their rounds early on. After a long morning of judging, winners will be announced in the afternoon.
During the late morning rounds, once a hog is judged, it is delivered to the chopping tent where it will be prepared for sharing on barbeque plates that start selling soon afterward. If your mouth is not watering yet, it will be because the plates include chopped pork with special barbeque sauce, eastern style, hush puppies, baked beans, and coleslaw. Yum!
If you are interested in cooking in the contest, fill out a cooks entry form found on the website to submit your interest to VP Cooks and sponsors. You are also welcome to come to the Pig Cookin’ meeting and sign up to volunteer your help. They are held once a month at the Pig Cookin’ Building behind Newport Town Hall.
Entertainment
Hungry visitors and locals usher in on Friday when all the fun begins as the opening ceremony ignites the long-awaited festivities! Amusement rides and vendor booths begin as people lean into the excitement. Live music is always a hit, as local blues and East Coast Rhythm sets the right vibe.
Plan Your Visit!
Don’t miss out on the nation’s largest non-profit whole hog BBQ event! If you’re ready to enjoy great food while supporting charity, browse through our vacation rentals and secure your spot today!
Past artists include the Catalinas-a band that was inducted into the Beach Music Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Carpenters. Keep your eyes open to see who will be rocking and rolling this year. The mix of barbeque plates, funnel cakes, concession stands, souvenirs, live music, and more truly do set the perfect atmosphere. All proceeds go to charity, too, so your delicious plate will help someone else in need.
While the Newport Pig Cookin’ Contest began as a small local fundraiser, over the many years that it has gained popularity, plenty of Atlantic Beach attendees have discovered the gem and made it a regular tradition that they say tops off their already amazing vacation.
Your Atlantic Beach Rental
It is difficult to want to leave Atlantic Beach since there is always so much to do, but when it comes to the Pig Cookin Contest, we suggest you make the easy trip to Newport Park. The Atlantic Beach Bridge is an easy and quick way to commute from the island to Morehead City.
Once you have made it across the bridge, you can exit West on Arendell Street to Highway 70 W and then exit at East Chatman St. Check for more details about directions on the website, and make sure to contact anybody if you have any questions. We know that you will love this unique weekend as you relax and make memories at your Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Rental. Get started on this memorable trip by booking with us today!
