Judging in Kannapolis Again

Jiggy with the Piggy in Kannapolis, NC, is a preeminent cookoff each May for both barbecue cooks and judges because the organizers are such professionals, which shouldn’t be a surprise: they are employees of the city. Every detail of the contest is planned and executed superbly, and every year the event builds on the knowledge learned and experience gained from past contests.

City employees help judges as they arrive.

In previous years, 75 or more cooking teams had completed, but only 60 teams were selected to compete this year. The reduction in teams provided more area for vendors and extra space to move teams in case of inclement weather. However, that number of cooking teams still required a lot of judges – all seated at ten tables – and several were from out-of-state. At least one was a first-time judge and some had participated in more than 50 contests. I was glad to return because I had enjoyed last year’s contest. 

Judges meet in the city hall of Kannapolis.

For this year’s contest that was again sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, teams from six states competed for cash prizes valued at $16,225, an increase in the amount won last year. Receiving a check for $1,500 for placing first as the grand champion was the Muttley Crew BBQ team from Apex, NC.

Cooking teams set up on the greenspace of the North Carolina Research Campus.

The North Carolina Research Campus, where the festival is held, is home to research activities that advance health, nutrition, and agriculture. The impressive buildings of the campus enclose a park-like greenspace where the barbecue teams set up and the other festival activities are held.

Old Colony Smokehouse from Edenton, NC, placed first in the pork category and won second place in the people's choice contest.

In addition to cookoff activities, the three-day festival this year featured more than 100 arts and craft vendors. The entertainment schedule included concerts, fireworks, movies, a 5K run/walk, and children’s events such as the Zucchini 600, a contest for children to build a racecar out of zucchini and compete for prizes.

Jiggy with the Piggy includes many children's activities.

A popular event that entertains the Kannapolis community, Jiggy with the Piggy will also continue to be popular with cooking teams and judges because it is so well organized and executed.

City employees offer banana pudding to judges after all entries have been judged.

The grand champion's check was awarded to the Muttley Crew BBQ team. Photo by City of Kannapolis.