Big Pig Jig is widely recognized as one of the largest and most elaborate barbecue cooking contest in the United States. As it got its start back in 1982, it is also the oldest pork-themed culinary competition in the state of Georgia. Each year, thousands of individuals, including famous chefs, tourists and cooking experts, flock to the city of Vienna to attend this fantastic food festival. Over the nearly three decades that this event has been taking place, Big Pig Jig has continued to gain popularity and world-renown.
This year, Big Pig Jig is planned for November 4 and 5. Although last fall’s event drew more than 10,000 spectators, 300 judges, 300 volunteers and 120 competitive cooking teams, officials expect this autumn’s festival to surpass these numbers and be the biggest one yet. In total, more than 400 different dishes were entered in last year’s contest, which is a far cry from the 20 items submitted to the competition in its inaugural year. Nearly $20,000 donated by the Dooly County Chamber of Commerce is up for grabs by anyone who enters Big Pig Jig this November, which is quite the incentive to throw on an apron and whip up some barbecue treats.
Individuals who plan to travel to Vienna, which is also known as BBQ City, USA, according to the event’s website, may wish to attend as many of the activities planned for the cooking festival as possible. In addition to the plethora of barbecue-themed events that will be held over the course of Big Pig Jig,, there are also many incredible musical performances scheduled, as well as an arts and crafts fair and several kid-friendly shows. Families may be interested in taking their children to see Piglet Idol, in which farmers will show off their prized hogs for a chance to ride in the Big Pig Jig Parade.
Travelers who are most interested in attending the famed Big Pig Jig barbecue competition should plan on being in Vienna on the last day of the festival. At 10:00 a.m., judges begin sampling the dishes that competitors worked on throughout the early morning, with the winners announced at 7:00 that night. The tasting begins at 2:00 p.m. and will continue until the barbecue runs out.