At least for this weekend, it’s perfectly acceptable to pig out, if not even encouraged.
The annual Newport Pig Cooking Contest is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, with plenty of entertainment, activities and barbecue.
This year marks the 37th time cooks from throughout the region have gathered for the largest whole hog cooking contest in the country. Barbecue plates go on sale beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday for $7, while bulk pork will cost $7 per pound as supplies last.
The event also includes rides, live music, other food items and vendor booths both Friday night and Saturday.
“It’s just so much fun,” said Charles Turnage, last year’s winner.
Turnage is an 18-year-old high school senior this year, but he comes from a family of cooks. His grandfather, father and uncle have all competed in the contest.
“I’ve been around it almost my entire life,” Turnage said. “All the times I’ve been with my granddad and my dad, I’ve seen stuff. Over time, you just learn things and commit it to memory and then you just put it to practice.”
Turnage, who said he wants to become a preacher when older, said that he prayed that he would win enough money at last year’s event to afford to go to his prom. He had no idea he would end up winning.
“I couldn’t believe God blessed me like that,” said Turnage. “I did do stuff, and I did cut the pig and I did all the other stuff, but God is the reason I won that competition. God gets the glory for that.”
Though he said he was looking forward to getting the chance to defend his title this weekend, he’s more excited about sharing the opportunity to compete and cook with this father and grandfather.
“I just love coming and cooking with my family,” he said.
The Pig Cooking Contest raises money for area nonprofit groups, with more than $804,000 being donated throughout the event’s history.
Events get started at 4 p.m. on Friday, with the band Cold Biscuit performing. The official opening ceremony is set for 6 p.m., and the rides open at 6:30 p.m. The Band of Oz takes the stage beginning at 7 p.m.
Judging is set to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday, with rides opening at 9:30 a.m. Elvis impersonator Ryder Preston takes the stage at 10 a.m., and barbecue plates will go on sale beginning at 11 a.m. The Entertainers will perform from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Pets, alcoholic beverages and concealed weapons are not permitted.
More information is available online at www.newportpigcooking.com.
Ken Buday is the editor of the Havelock News.