Lakeland Florida 16th Annual Pigfest – Tiger Town Sport Complex – January 27-28 2012
Where can you get the best barbecue around this time of the year? Lakeland Florida’s Annual Pigfest is the place to be. Not just best barbecue, best entertainment, and best playground for kids, best for all kinds of food. Best part, it is free!
Since 1997 Lakeland Florida has been the host to an annual barbeque competition sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society. The competition involves people of all ages, men and women. For more information on the history of the Pigfest, read my blog from last year’s event, by clicking the link right here.
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.
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.
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.
The great things about this competition are the benefits it brings to Lakeland and its non-for profit organizations. While the event is free to attend, if you would like to enjoy any of the delicious food and drinks, and believe me you will, you will need to purchase ‘Pigbucks’ at the front gate or at any of the other various locations throughout the venue. All the proceeds from sales of “Pigbucks” goes toward non-for profit organizations in the Lakeland area to include the Junior League and Girls, Inc., just to name a couple. Since its inception in 1997 the Pigfest has given over $650,000 dollars back to our wonderful community. Both of these organizations have a focus on bettering those in our community through education. It is through education that people in our community can better themselves and then reach out to others in need.
I hope you are able to make it out to the 16th Annual Pigfest at Tiger Town Sports Complex on Friday and Saturday January 27-28, 2012. Come partake in the fun filled events and concerts. And bring an empty stomach to taste the world-class food being prepared at this event. Because of events like this is the reason why I love living in Lakeland Florida.