Thousands pig out at annual barbecue feast
The Wolfe family came to the Pig Jam for the obvious – to chow down on some good barbecue.
They had no idea their taste buds would encounter Redneck Salad, a concoction that includes pulled pork, French fries, melted cheese, jalapenos and barbecue sauce.
“The pulled pork is nice and juicy,” said Melanie, as she shared spoonfuls with her daughters Lily, 4, and Kaitlyn, 10.
The Swinos cooking team, creators of the Redneck Salad, enjoyed a steady stream of customers for not only salad but also ribs and other barbecue. The team members, who work in such professions as law enforcement and sales when they aren’t behind the grill, enjoy sharing their craft.
“We do this to get away from our jobs and blow off some steam,” said team member Jeff Cayer, who is band director at Southwest Middle School in Lakeland.
Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce President Marion Smith estimated a record 15,000 spectators were on hand for the ninth annual Pig Jam at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex.
“The beautiful weather brought out a lot of people this year,” Smith said. “They were coming early and staying late.”
More than 75 teams of cooks competed for cash and trophies, she said. Many of the teams sold samples to spectators.
Cheryl Carlisle, her son Nathan, her daughter Leslie, and their friend Gayle Gaither walked the aisles just taking in the atmosphere.
“It smells so good,” said Cheryl as the barbecue smoke hit here from every side.
“It’s only 11 a.m. and we’re already eating. We can’t wait to try more of the foods,” Gaither said.
Barbecue was the main attraction, but the Nov. 19 festival also included family fun and even college football games on a big screen TV.
The bands “Ace” Jackson and the Jump Kings and the Double Barrel Band entertained, while folks kicked back and munched on barbecue.
A children’s play area offered moonwalks, caricatures, face painting, air brush tattoos, rock climbing and bungee jumping.
It wasn’t all fun and games for MacKenzie Criss, 10, of Winter Haven, who cooked up her best chicken and won first place and a goodie bag in the “Anything Goes” category in a children’s barbecue contest.
“I think it was my special sauce. It’s a secret,” she said, holding her dachshund, Nathan.
Michele Miller of St. Petersburg enjoyed petting a large cockatoo that drew a number of the visitors’ attention.
Miller, who used to cook, was there for the barbecue showdown.
“This is a big championship, and I had to come see who wins,” she said.
Plant City barbecuing trio Mark Poppell, Ben Copeland and Fred Williams of the Poppell Insurance team cooked up their finest barbecue.
“We’re trying harder to give the judges the best thing they ever put in their mouths,” said Copeland, as he and Poppell put the finishing touches on their chicken.
Poppell and Williams are the founders of the Pig Jam and have competed annually since its inception.
More than 90 judges critiqued the entries in the categories of chicken, ribs, brisket and pork. The teams were divided into a Backyard division and a Professional division at the festival, which is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
Paul Paquette of St. Petersburg returned for the third year to serve on the judging panel.
Paquette said his job is contained in the acronym, “ATT, which stands for appearance, texture and taste.”
“You have to ask yourself three main questions. Is it something that could belong on a cooking marquee or is it just there? That’s the appearance. Is it firm, without being too dry nor too mushy? That’s the texture. And finally, is it too salty? Does it have too much barbecue sauce? Does it have a great smoked flavor? That’s the taste,” he said.
Judging was a family affair for John Michael Shenefield, his nephew James Shenefield, and James’ father Jim Shenefield.
“We skipped breakfast. Bring on the food,” said James, as each prepared to sample and judge two pounds of meat.
Judging coordinator Michael Cameron monitored the judges, while enjoying the unique styles of barbecue being sold on the grounds.
“There’s a lot of interesting foods out there, like the Redneck Salad. I enjoyed it too! It’s awesome!” he said.
Melinda Collins and her father Don Woolard were in the area for work and decided to try out the Pig Jam.
“The corn is excellent,” said Collins, of Georgia, as she munched on a large ear.
“I had the three meat special with coleslaw and potato salad. I’d definitely come back,” said Woolard, who lives in Ohio.
Paul McKinely of Smokin’ J’s Barbecue from Detroit served up what he called Southern barbecue, which included pork or ribs with baked beans, corn and collard greens.
His favorite menu item was the “Oh My God Burger.”
“It’s one pound of heaven,” he said.
Verna Jordan of Brandon was pleased with her meal from Smokin’ J’s.
“I had the ribs and corn on the cob. It’s my first time here and I’m enjoying it. The food is very good!” she said.
Other interesting menu items on the grounds included pulled pork nachos from Fat Maggie’s of Lakeland and barbecue egg rolls from Kick Yo Butt BBQ of Eagle Lake.
A shocking surprise was fried frog legs from Second Hand Smoke.
“Everyone says it tastes like chicken,” said Jasmyn Hunter, holding a two-inch breaded and fried frog leg.
Plant City natives Joyce Brown and her 6-year-old granddaughter Gillian Brown were pleasantly surprised to find a sweet Plant City favorite – strawberry shortcake.
“I thought we’d only find barbecue,” Joyce said.
“This is even better,” said Gillian with a whipped cream grin.
This site is hosted by (click on the graphic for more information)
Return from barbecue to Home Page
If you want to increase your site popularity and gain thousands of visitors = check out these sites:
