MOUNT OLIVE—A little barbecue, a little brew, and a free Mt. Olive pickle.
Get your fix at the fourth annual Pickles, Pigs & Swigs, set for Nov. 8 and 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 offers a lot more than, well, pickles, pigs, and swigs.
This year’s event features rides on a mechanical bull for $5, and a petting zoo.
The local Southeastern Chapter of AACA (American Car Club of America) will feature a cruise-in throughout the day. The cornhole boards will be set up for anyone who wants to play.
Returning favorites include arts & crafts vendors, food trucks, and Pickle Train rides for $3, benefiting the Mount Olive Friends of the Parks.
Up and coming local musician Zack Lee plays live on stage from 11 am to 1 pm, followed by 42 West Band of Wilson from 1:30-3:30 pm.
“We are looking forward to next weekend,” said Julie Beck, president of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce and an event organizer. “Everything is coming together nicely for a great event.”
Winners of the Pickles, Pigs & Swigs whole hog cook off will be announced at 11 a.m., or as soon as results are completed.
The pork the 15 participating teams cooked overnight for the competition will be available for sale Saturday either as BBQ sandwiches or by the pound.
Sandwiches, served with cole slaw on the side, will be $7, or $12 for two. Pound bags will be $20.
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 in September.
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 November 9.”
