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 on Nov. 8 and 9.

The N.C. Pork Council-sanctioned whole hog barbecue cook-off gets underway on the evening of Nov. 8 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.

“We’ve had unfavorable weather the last two years, so we are looking forward to a good weather weekend for 2024,” said Julie Beck, president of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce and member of the organizing committee.

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 plan’s four action teams are already at work, as well as the Community Round Table, which meets monthly.

Simple additions so far to downtown include potted plants, benches, American flags and pole banners, all funded by the Mount Olive CDC. The organization also funded having the sidewalks pressure washed, as well as the successful Downtown Block Party welcoming back University of Mount Olive students earlier this month.

Pickles, Pigs & Swigs continues those efforts to support – and celebrate – downtown Mount Olive.

“The underlying purpose of Pickles, Pigs & Swigs is important to the future of downtown, but the event itself is designed for people to come downtown, enjoy a beautiful fall day with family and friends, live music and hometown favorites,” said Lynn Williams, who also serves on the organizing committee. “We are looking forward to a dry, sunny day Nov. 9.”

Pickles, Pigs & Swigs is currently seeking 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.

“We have six teams lined up so far, including a previous state champion,” Williams said. “We are excited to see who will be willing to test their skills.”

2023 winners included Kevin Peterson, Showtimes Legit BBQ, first place, Dana Peterson, Showtimes Legit BBQ, second place, and Timmy Turner of Country Boyz Grilling, third place.

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