State Championship BBQ Festival in Town This Weekend

Seventy-five barbecue teams are set to compete for the title of Georgia Barbecue Championship at ’s annual this weekend.

Contest categories include a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) sanctioned professional competition; an amateur “Backyard BBQ” contest; a peach dessert contest; and an “Anything Butt” contest, in which teams are given a meat item and asked to add any ingredients to create a stew, soup, main course or side dish. A team of certified judges will grade entries on appearance, taste and texture.

Attractions also include two stages of live music and dancing from local and national touring acts; a variety of children’s activities; helicopter rides; food and beverage vendors; and a street festival atmosphere of arts, crafts, general merchandise and sponsor booths with unique products and services. On Saturday at 9:45 p.m., fireworks will be shot over . 

A family entertainment stage will feature additional entertainment, including dance ensembles, vocalists and live musicians.

“The 2012 festival bears little resemblance to the city’s inaugural barbecue contest in 2001, which featured a single blues performer and only a handful of participants," said David Pies, Recreation Division manager. "(Pigs & Peaches) has grown through the years into a major regional event, reflecting the interests and aspirations of not only the barbecue community, but also area businesses, residents and visitors.” 

More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the festival, which will be open 6-11 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday at Adams Park.. Admission is free.

Main Stage Performance Schedule

Friday, 6 p.m. – The Shuffle Junkies (blues and classic rock)
Friday, 8 p.m. – The Jagged Stones (Rolling Stones tribute band)
Saturday, 12 p.m. – The Kennesaw Mountain Boys (Bluegrass)
Saturday, 2 p.m. – Roger "Hurricane" Wilson (blues and roots)
Saturday, 5 p.m. – Whisky Bent (country-rock)
Saturday, 7 p.m. – Frontiers (Journey tribute band)