Best Barbecue in Town - Lakeland FL Annual Pig Fest January 27-28, 2012
I can't imagine spending a better way than to attend this year's Lakeland's Annual Pig Fest on January 27 and 28, 2012. In it's 16th year for its barbecue competition, such as the Kansas City Barbecue Society sanctioned competition, Publix Supermarket Backyard BBQ competition, and for kids, Kids-Q barbecue contest, enticing professional barbecue teams to travel to our beautiful city .
This year gates open at 5:30pm on Friday, January 27, 2012 to enjoy an evening of music, food, and games. On Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10:00 am is when the real competition begins. Competitors from all over the country will flock to Lakeland Florida to compete in four different categories including Ribs, Chicken, Pork, and Brisket.
Friday’s entertainment at Center Stage is to include nightriders at 6:00 pm and Soul 2 Earth from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm. But don’t forget about the Backyard ‘Party Stage’ which will feature Cross Traxx and Vertical Circus. While Saturday Center Stage will include Pushin Eighties from 10:00 am- 1:15 pm followed by Brush Creek from 1:45 pm- 5:00 pm. And the Backyard ‘Party Stage’ will play host to The Sweeney Family Band, Madison Mckenzie, Cross Traxx, and Ace Jackson & The Jump Kings Performing throughout the day. LEGOLAND Florida will once again sponsor the Children’s corner and is said to include bounce houses and many other fun surprises.
There will also be a Kids-Q where children will compete on their own grills. The Kids-Q was started in 2004 when competitors came to the realization they did not want the art of Barbeque to disappear after they were no longer here so they have brought the kids into the mix by giving them a fun way to participate in the competition. And these kids are phenomenal cooks. Not to mention what a great family event! Read more about things to do with kids in and around Lakeland Florida.
A tad bit of history lesson! It started all in 1994 when a small group of local businessmen attended the Blue Ridge Mountain town of Tyron, N.C. to watch a barbecue championship. From then on, a festival committee was established and Lakeland’s Pig Festival welcomed its first barbecue competitors in 1997. Since then, professional teams and backyard teams travel great distances to compete separate in now five different categories in Ribs (loin and spare), Pork (shoulder and butt), Chicken, Brisket (beef) and Sauce. The Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) Professional Competition and Judging School considers Lakeland’s Pig Fest to be one of the finest events sanctioned by KCBS. Lakeland’s annual Pig Fest held at Joker Marchant Stadium has since then grown to over 300 Barbecue Teams competing for prize money and attendance growing quickly each year.
The Junior League of Greater Lakeland became in 2005 the lead organizer for this great event and they do an outstanding job providing volunteers to see that this free event is run smoothly. The Lakeland Pig Festival has contributed over $650,000 to local charities and growing. The event in itself is free, such as the concerts – as you walk towards the gate, let me suggest you buy “Pig Dollars” near the entrance for food and drinks and also some for your kids, since I’m sure they want to take part in arts & crafts, climbing and jumping. Don’t worry if you run out of the “Pig Dollars or “Pig Bucks”, there are various locations throughout the area for you to buy more.
It is a fun event for the whole family to enjoy.
Check out this video of year's past at the Lakeland FL Pig Fest!
Copyright © 2012 By Petra Norris *Best Barbecue in Town - Lakeland FL Annual Pig Fest January 27-28, 2012*
Managing Broker - CDV TransAtlantic, Inc.
(863) 619-6918
Chef T’s Garden Grill
The other day when I stopped at the gas station to fill up my gas tank, I generally strike up a conversation with the person across from me, it goes something like this. "The weather is surely gorgeous right now during this time of year. Gotta love 
Attention Lakeland FL Homeowners! If you purchased a home in 2011 as your primary residence, filing deadline for homestead exemption is March 1st, 2012. First-time homebuyers filing for homestead exemption must apply in person and bring their recorded deed and proof of residency, such as Florida drivers’ license, Florida voter registration, Florida vehicle registration or resident alien card. Applicants filing for any exemption are required to present their Social Security cards. In addition if you sold your Lakeland Fl home and purchased another home in Lakeland, you also must apply for homestead exemption in person.
A great way for Lakeland Florida is to get you in the Holiday Spirit is for
Directed by Harrison’s Dean of Musical Theatre, Joe Sniegocki. Harrison School for the Arts is proud to present this musical in honor of our veterans on Veteran’s Day weekend. Veterans of any military branch receive one complimentary ticket for themselves and may obtain tickets on a first-come, first-served basis at each performance or secure tickets during regular box office hours. Simply present a military or veteran ID such as active, retired, or reserve ID card, VA Card, VFW Card, American Legion Card, discharge papers, DD214 or other Veterans ID, or wear your military uniform to a performance. Friday’s performance will include a special tribute to veterans. Saturday evening’s performance is dedicated to our sponsor, The Mosaic Company.