2023 Pickles, Pigs & Swigs coming November 10-11

MOUNT OLIVE—One sign of fall in Mount Olive is the aroma of pork barbecue cooking on grills, wafting over downtown.

The third annual Pickles, Pigs & Swigs returns to Mount Olive Friday and Saturday, November 10-11. The N.C. Pork Council-sanctioned whole hog barbecue cook-off gets underway Friday evening, followed by the Saturday festival and BBQ plate sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day features live music, craft beer from R&R Brewing, free Mt. Olive Pickles, local vendors, rides on the Pickle Train, and more.

Proceeds from the event benefit the Mount Olive Community Development Corporation in its efforts to spearhead downtown revitalization efforts. A public workshop is set for Tuesday, October 3 at 7 p.m. at the town’s Historic Depot, and organizers hope to have information about the planning process available at Pickles, Pigs & Swigs.

Pickles, Pigs & Swigs currently seeks cook teams for the BBQ competition. The field for this first year will be limited to 20 teams, accepted on a first come, first served basis. Last year’s winners included Jason Baker of Baker Boys BBQ, Lynwood Harper of Pork Stars, and James Wilder of Wilders Old Style BBQ. Those interested in fielding a team can apply and pay online at https://www.eventeny.com/events/pickles-pigs-swigs-6520/.

The event is also looking for sponsors and vendors. For more information, contact the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce at 919-658-3113.