2011 Pig on the Pond This Weekend Supports Education

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In keeping with the theme of nearly every BBQ competition in the nation, the 2011 Cleremont, Florida Pig on the Pond barbecue competition to be held this weekend will benefit youth education scholarships. A noble cause given the budget restrictions our state is facing when it comes to funding education.

Staff writer Roxanne Brown over at the Daily Commercial posted a great interview with Pig on the Pond event coordinator Cheryl Fishel as the event heads into its 13th year. Brown stresses the determination by Fishel and others associated with Pig on the Pond to make sure folks understand that this event is all about the kids.

“Pig on the Pond is a household name but people still didn’t understand that it is a charity event for the kids,” said Cheryl Fishel, a longtime organizer of the event. “All the money raised goes to local scholarships and educational programs. That’s who it’s all for, the kids.”

During the past 12 years, Pig on the Pond has raised about $492,000 for local scholarships, with last year’s event brought in about $62,000. Fishel said she hopes to celebrate this year as a record year for Pig on the Pond surpassing the $500,000 mark.

The biggest “draw” for this event, in this eyes of this blogger is, of course, the FBA sanctioned BBQ Competition! Whiskey Bent BBQ of Lakeland, FL will be on site to defend it’s 2010 Grand Championship win, but teams like Team Unknown BBQ out of Winter Haven, FL, Hot Wachula’s of Lakeland, FL, Uncle Kenny’s BBQ from Winter Garden, FL, and Git-R-Smoked (run by Terry McKay of Custom Graphics and Signs) out of Okeechobee, FL will be vying to walk for GC honors.

About The 2011 Pig on the Pond BBQ Competition

This year’s festival is scheduled for March 11 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. and March 12 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m, with admission set at $2 per person. There will be a lot of great attractions held during this year’s event, including a returning popular event called the ”Spin a Thon.” This event is hosted with the support of Gold’s Gym of Clermont, where 20 marathon cycling teams pedal for six full hours on Saturday for donations and pledges.

Another returning event is the pig-racing put on by Robinson’s Racing Pigs. Fishel said the pig races, which have become one of the favorite events for attendees, are scheduled throughout Friday and Saturday. In addition, attendees will once again be able to “take a chance on a child” by betting on which pig they think will win each race. Those who bet on the winning pig will be entered in a raffle for the money in the pot for that race – with a portion of the proceeds benefiting graduating seniors who are members of the FFA.

Fishel added that event officials are excited about the honor of being the first event to be held at the city’s brand new Waterfront Pavilion. The construction on the pavilion was completed just last month, and it’s “going to really change the look of the whole event and will definitely enhance the entertainment,” Fishel said.