Festival-goers enjoy the beer from R&R Brewing, the sunshine, and friends at Pickles, Pigs & Swigs last year. The Saturday, Nov. 8 event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Downtown Mount Olive.
Organizers issue call for sponsors and vendors
Cook-off Judge Tim Croom judges a Pickles, Pigs & Swigs BBQ entry during the 2024 Pickles, Pigs & Swigs. This year’s event returns Nov. 7-8 in downtown Mount Olive.
MOUNT OLIVE — Crisp fall air and changing leaves mean the aroma of pork BBQ wafting over downtown Mount Olive can’t be too far away.
Pickles, Pigs & Swigs returns to Mount Olive Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7-8 for its fifth year. The N.C. Pork Council-sanctioned whole hog barbecue cook-off gets underway Friday evening, followed by the Saturday festival and BBQ 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.
New this year is a classic car show organized by the Southeastern NC Chapter of the AACA, where cars will be on display for most of the day.
“Having the car show adds a whole new dimension to the day,” Julie Beck president of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce and member of the organizing committee. “The hours of the festival Saturday work really well with the timing for the car show, and we are dill-lighted to have them join us.”
Another addition is that the Mt. Olive Pickle Parlor, which first opened to the public in June, will be open that Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
While cook team applications have closed, organizers are still seeking sponsors and vendors.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Mount Olive Community Development Corporation in its efforts to spearhead downtown revitalization efforts. In late 2023, the Mount Olive CDC funded the establishment of a Downtown Strategic Plan designed for implementation over the next five years. All four action teams are now at work under the guidance of the Community Round Table, which meets monthly.
Over the last two years, the Mount Olive CDC has funded simple but effective additions to downtown, including potted plants, benches, American flags and pole banners. In August, it sponsored the second annual Downtown Block Party to welcome back University of Mount Olive students. Over 250 students, plus community members, turned out for music, food trucks and corn hole.
Other downtown initiatives include support for the artist in residence program, a new UMO Trojan mural, and façade grants to help business owners spruce up their storefronts. More ideas and efforts are in the works.
“Progress has been slow but steady, and it’s gratifying to see how far we’ve come,” said Melissa Kilpatrick, who works in Community Relations for Mt. Olive Pickle and serves on the organizing committee.
Pickles, Pigs & Swigs continues efforts to support – and celebrate – downtown Mount Olive.
“The underlying purpose of Pickles, Pigs & Swigs is to support downtown, and we hope that people will come enjoy a beautiful fall day with family and friends.”
The Friday night barbecue competition gets underway at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of Mount Olive’s Town Hall. Prizes for this year’s contest are $1,200, $600 and $300 for first, second and third places, respectively.
2024 winners included Kevin Peterson, Showtimes Legit BBQ, first place; David Murray, Fired Up BBQ; and Timmy Turner, Country Boyz Grilling, third place.
The event is also looking for sponsors and local vendors. For more information, contact the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce at 919-658-3113 or visit the website at www.picklespigsswigs.com.
