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The BBQ festival, expected to draw as many people as last year, about 30,000 over two days, is in its 15th year. A portion of the proceeds from barbecue sales benefits local charities, including the sponsor, Junior League of Greater Lakeland.

About 150 teams from roughly 20 different states are taking part in the event this year. Half of them are competing in the professional division for a chance at a cash prize and to qualify for larger competitions.

The event is the Florida State Barbecue Championship for teams competing for prize money from the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Carolyn Wells, a representative with the society, said Pigfest is seen as one of the early and more significant competitions in the season.

The Pigfest 2011 Annual BBQ Festival continues today from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., drawing in more and more people to enjoy the finger-licking' goodness that only the Pigfest can deliver.

The Victoria Sunrise Rotary will host its annual barbecue fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 6.

The $7 to go plates, chicken or beef with all the trimmings, will be available at Holy Family Church, 704 Mallette Drive.

With sponsorships and plate sales, last year the club was able to make $13,000 in donations to such organizations as the Adult Literacy Council, Billie Cattan Recovery Outreach, Boys and Girls Club, Christ's Kitchen, Hope of South Texas, Mid-Coast Family Services, Perpetual Help Home, Sure B.E.T., Victoria Christian Assistance Ministry, among several others.

It also provided scholarships to the Victoria College Police Academy.

Details

Monday, Feb. 14, Sweetheart Ball fundraiser for the Food Bank of the Golden Crescent, Spring Creek Place Event Center, sponsored by H-E-B. Tickets $50. Call 361-578-0591.

Friday, March 15, Red Cross Bash, National Guard Armory, Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross fundraiser, 361-573-2671 for sponsorship and ticket information.

This years Hammond Smokin' Blues and BBQ Challenge will see more than 50 KCBS teams from around the U.S. competing against each other and local teams for more than $12,000 in cash and prizes.

The event will also feature 60+ local teams competing in the Backyard Boogie and the Lamar Outdoor Advertising Chicken Little Contest, making this event the largest BBQ event in the State of Louisiana for the 7th year in a row.

The Hammond Smokin' Blues and BBQ Challenge will also feature local Bands from around the region playing music on the Northshore Broadcasting stage both Friday night and Saturday.

So come and enjoy World class BBQ and listen to local favorites.

Hammond Smokin' Blues and BBQ Challenge 2011 Details

March 25th – March 26th, 2011
P.O. Box 85
Hammond, LA 70404
Phone - 985-419-9863
FAX - 985-345-4233

Mark your calendars now! On April 30, 2011 the Hendersonville High Football Stadium will once again be filled with the delectable aroma of barbecue as the Henderson County BBQ Expo kicks off.

Not only will there be plenty of Barbecue to eat, patrons will enjoy arts and crafts, displays by non-profit organizations, schools and more! From a Kid’s Zone to all day long entertainment, this family friendly atmosphere is a must attend. The venue is located in downtown Hendersonville in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina.

Visitors will enjoy a fun filled day for a small admission fee of $6.00. Children 12 and under get in for free. Gates are open to the public from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. This event is supported in part by Henderson County Travel & Tourism, Henderson County Parks & Recreation, Boyd Automotive, 99.9 Kiss Country and Ingles Supermarkets.

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) - Hopefully, you like eating your barbecue in hot weather because the annual Pork and Brew in Rio Rancho will now be held in July.

City Councilors voted on Wednesday to move the event, which is usually held in late March, to July 4th weekend.

They also approved expanding it from two days to three.

They said combining the Pork and Brew event and Fourth of July celebrations will save money and adding an extra day will bring in more revenue.

In 2010, one day was of the Pork and Brew event was cancelled due to the high winds.

In hopes of bringing a Veterans Day Parade to Salinas in November, organizers hope to raise more than $4,000 this Saturday with a BBQ fundraiser.

There are only two days left, and out of the 400 tickets, only 50 remain. Those without tickets, however, are able to purchase food until they run out, officials said.

Spearheaded by members of Salinas’ American Legion Post 31, organizers announced in December they are seeking to bring a traditional Veterans Day Parade to Oldtown on the holiday.

Saturday’s event is located at the Harley Davidson parking lot, 333 N. Main St., and will include a live band, tri-tip and chicken sandwiches, salad, food and drinks.

Tickets are $10.

For more information, call 776-0763.