The 2012 Lakeland Pigfest judges applications are now live, and I got mine in right away! This KCBS sanctioned event is one of only a handful hosted here in Florida, so it’s a goal of many cook teams and judges to get on board!
The event itself will be held at the Tiger Town Sports Complex in Lakeland, Florida on Friday, January 27, 2012 and Saturday, January 28, 2012.
Awesome night time shot of the 2011 Lakeland Pigfest event taken by my good buddy Wilfred Reinke (AKA… “The Ogre!”) - who made it all the way down from Canada!
See the rest of the excellent photos he took of this event over on the Oshawalaser.com blog!
All judges must be KCBS certified. If you are, and live in the area or will be visiting Central Florida during the latter part of January, I strongly encourage you to get your application in early! They’ve created an online process, so it couldn’t be easier. Personally, I am very excited and sure hope my name gets called to judge! By the way, I believe they’ll be offering a KCBS judging class if you are not currently certified but want to be!
About the Lakeland Pigfest
The Lakeland Pigfest has been a national favorite now for some time and got its start back in 1994, when a small group of local business folks decided to host a KCBS BBQ event styled after one they visited in North Carolina.
In 1996, Governor Lawton Chiles signed a request for the formal sanctioning of the Lakeland Pig Festival as a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) State Championship, and on March 21, 1997 the Lakeland Pig Festival was born.
Here’s a video that explains a bit more about the Lakeland Pigfest and what it’s all about…
Keep it Simple… Make it Good
In the beginning, the goals of the Lakeland Pig Festival were pretty simple:
- Raise money for local charitable organizations
- Create an relaxing event for all walks of life
- Eat some world-class BBQ
As with any new contest, there were several years of trial and error trying to find the perfect “recipe” for success. During these early years, the contest was held in March or April; however, in 2000 a decision was made to move the contest to late-January. Each successive year has brought more contestants and greater attendance. But the true reason behind the success of the Lakeland Pigfest is the dedication of community volunteers.
Growing Interest in the Kids
In 2004, a Kids-Q Contest was added, and immediately became a permanent part of the event. This part of the Pigfest is a favorite for participants, their families, and spectators alike. The kids receive “red carpet” treatment, get to cook some chicken and steak, and are all paraded out for the judging to a musical fanfare!
“Children’s participation in the Kids-Q event will help ensure that barbecuing — America’s favorite pastime — will never become a lost art.”
What better way could there be to promote grilling and BBQ? It’s a cool part of this event for sure.
Community Impact
The Lakeland Pig Festival is proud to support a variety of charitable interests throughout our community, and to date we have given over $650,000 back to the community over our 15-year history. Together with the Junior League of Greater Lakeland and Girls, Inc., we strive to increase the quality of life in our community and welcome your support on our never ending endeavor. Read more about the impact Lakeland Pigfest has had on the local Lakeland community!
Lakeland Pigfest is a Must Attend Event!
In 2008, Pigfest was expanded to include Friday evening activities. With the addition of live music and entertainment, fun food competition, and BBQ vending, the event continues to be a great success. Teams come from all around the nation, and include BBQ favorites old and new like Jack’s Old South, Pellet Envy, Cool Smoke, Chix Swine & Bovine BBQ, Swamp Boys BBQ, Team Unknown, and Whiskey Bent BBQ – just to name a few!
Great Weather and Cash, Baby!
What draws these folks in? Well, January in Florida, duh! Oh – and the prize money ain’t shabby! Here’ s a breakdown of the cash awarded to folks at this year’s Lakeland Pigfest event:
Kingsford Professional Division Awards Prize Money
- Grand Champion – $2,500
- Reserve Grand Champion – $1,500
- Category Prizes – $500 for 1st place down to $100 for 5th place.
Trophies will be awarded for 1st-5th place in all four meat categories, and ribbons will be awarded for 6th-10th place in all four meat categories.
A Governor’s Award Trophy is awarded to the Highest Overall Scoring Team from Florida in the Kingsford Professional Division.
Want More Info?
No problem! The Lakeland Pigfest organizers have set up a great information page! Check it out and you should be able to get hold of anyone connected with the event area you need.
Planning on attending the 2012 Lakeland Pigfest?
Let me know! I live here locally, and it would be great to meet as many of my readers and fellow BBQ folks as possible! Guaranteed good times, and heck – maybe I’ll even spring for a frosty beverage or two!
Filed under BBQ Competitions by 
On October 29th, the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will be hosting its 2nd Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Competition – a Florida Bar-B-Que Association sanctioned event to benefit local area youth and education programs.
Last year’s event catered to 3,000 attendees, with 13 professional cook teams and vendors who sold out of everything they brought to cook. I don’t have to tell you that leaving with food still in your vending trailer is a major downer, so the promise of “sold out” signs hanging by Saturday afternoon is a major plus!
About the 2011 Zephyrhills Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Event
As the name suggests, BBQ & Blues features a friendly BBQ competition amidst a background of the blues music. Attendees will have opportunities to sample the culinary creations of both local and out-of-town BBQ chefs while sipping on a glass of wine or cold beer at the “Swine Terrace.” Kids can play at the Kidz Zone or peruse the rows of arts & crafts tables while Grandma and Grandpa take a stroll through memory lane at the classic car show.
When all is said and done, there’s something for everyone at Pigz in Z’Hills!
The event is already receiving extensive coverage through our media partnership with The Tampa Tribune /News Channel 8 / Tbo.com. And, following the 2010 inaugural event’s overwhelming success, the review board of the Florida Bar-B Que-Association approved Pigz in Z’Hills as a sanctioned competition, in effect a grade-A stamp of approval by the experts. The FBA’s backing is certain to bring even more teams and bigger crowds in 2011!
Event Details
When: Saturday, October 29th, 10:00am – 8:00pm
Where: Charles Krusen Memorial Field, Zephyrhills Florida, Alston Avenue, east of US 301, at intersection of 20th Street (Adjacent to the Zephyrhills Water Bottling plant)
Contact Info:
Greater Zephryhills Chamber Pigz Committee, email: director@zephyrhillschamber.org
Event Website: http://www.zephyrhillschamber.org/
Fax: 813-783-6060
Phone: (813) 782-1913
Filed under BBQ Competitions by
