Time for the Scrumptious Delights of ‘Pork in the Park’
NEWBERRY, SC — Barbecue enthusiasts, take note. The much-anticipated culinary festival, ‘Pork in the Park’ is back this year with a sizzling display of gastronomic treats. The epicurean event will take place on Friday, April 19 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and extend into Saturday, April 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The delicious festivities are set to unfold in Memorial Park and around the nearby downtown area.
A Two-Day BBQ Affair
This year, the event reintroduces the Friday evening segment, a warm-up to the main show that lets vendors extend their product sale an extra day. Live music will fill the air from 5:30 – 8 p.m., featuring the tunes of The Brendan Roberts Band. The Newberry County Chamber of Commerce along with the Newberry Opera House will host a beer wagon on Boyce Street throughout the event, stirring the goodness of suds and smoke. Bridget Carey, the city’s tourism and events manager has advised patrons intending to purchase alcohol to carry their ID.
A Flurry of Competition
The central attraction of the event, the BBQ competition, is slated to witness participation from twenty select teams. Competitors are drawn from local food enthusiasts as well as gourmet chefs journeying from places like Waxhaw, N.C. The gastronomic categories of this year’s competition will include the Boston butt, chicken, and ribs. A panel of certified judges from the Southern Barbecue Network will evaluate the culinary masterpieces for tenderness, texture, flavor, and presentation.
Deciding the Champion BBQ Maestros
Judging will be held at the Firehouse Conference Center, followed by the award distribution at 3 p.m. The accolades to be won encompass first, second, and third place for each category, along with the grand champion and reserved grand champion. The winning announcements will be made from the music stage in Memorial Park.
Savoring the Delicacies
With the intention to highlight the competitors, Carey has announced that sample cups will be discontinued this year. However, attendees can relish the fine foods available for purchase from eight teams who will also be competing. Carey recommends carrying cash as not all vendors may accept cards.
Enthralling Ancillary Attractions
For those seeking a break from the BBQ rush, a range of interactive entertainment options will be available. Children can enjoy free inflatable on Main Street. Music-loving attendees will be treated to live performances by Bluegrass Remedy and Josh Boatwright on Saturday. Additionally, the Blood Connection will be hosting an onsite camp facilitating blood donations, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Saturday.
An Artistic Tribute
Respecting the spirit of the community, the Newberry Arts Center will also present the Empty Bowls project at the junction of Main and Caldwell Streets. Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase a handmade, empty bowl as a poignant reminder of the constant struggle with hunger many people face. All proceeds from this initiative will go to local food banks.
If this culinary spectacle strikes your fancy, you can find additional information about the ‘Pork in the Park’ event by contacting the city’s Parks, Recreation and Tourism office at (803) 321-1015 or visiting the event’s website, www.newberryporkinthepark.com.
