Lakeland Pig Festival
KCBS is “the largest international organization of barbecue enthusiasts” and has sanctioned the Lakeland Pig Festival since its first contest in 1997. Professional teams travel from all over the U.S. to compete in four categories: Ribs, Chicken, Pork and Brisket. They come for camaraderie and the Florida sunshine (what could be better than Florida in January!) .
Some of them are even interested in the $10,000 in prize money and the $1000.00 Big Green Egg Prize Package. Over 200 teams from 17 states have competed in Lakeland since 1997. Many return year after year.
Judges also travel great distances to participate in the Lakeland Pig Festival. Judging for every pro contest has been 100% by KCBS trained and certified judges. Since 1997, 183 people from throughout the U.S. have completed the Judging School right here in Lakeland, held a few days prior to the contest. We’re proud to say that the Lakeland Pig Festival is considered to be one of the finest events sanctioned by KCBS.
PUBLIX BACKYARD COMPETITION
Publix Super Markets and Publix Charities have been major sponsors of the Lakeland Pig Festival since 1997.
The Publix Backyard Competition teams compete in the same four categories of Ribs, Chicken, Pork and Brisket. The difference is that the backyard group is composed of local teams, competing for bragging rights, ribbons and trophies.
The backyard contest also follows KCBS rules and regulations, and at the 2002 contest, the KCBS representative announced that the Publix Backyard Competition has grown to be the largest of any backyard competition. Many members of the backyard teams attend Judging School to learn what the judges are looking for in taste, tenderness/texture and presentation. When they feel they’re ready, many go on to compete in the pro competition.
The Location -- Lakeland has been said to be near everything . . . away from it all! Its convenient location, halfway between Tampa and Orlando, makes it a popular site for vacationing families. The world’s premiere tourist attractions, such as: Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World and Busch Gardens, to name a few, are just a short drive away. Spaceport USA at the Kennedy Space Center and the Daytona Speedway are also nearby. Lakeland also boasts many attractions of its own, including:
- Spring Home of the Detroit Tigers for over 65 years
- The Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In (second only to Oshkosh!)
- Frank Lloyd Wright’s Visitor Center at Florida Southern College (home of the largest single-site collection of Frank Lloyd Wright architecture in the world)
- USA International Speedway
- Lakeland is located in Polk County. Named (in Money Magazine) as one of the nation’s ten best places to live, Polk County is home of:
- Historic Bok Tower in Lake Wales
- Fantasy of Flight Attraction in Polk City
- Spring Home of the Cleveland Indians in Winter Haven
- Cypress Gardens in Winter Haven
- Hollis Gardens in Lakeland
Lakeland Pig Festival Allocation Recipients
- Junior League
- Girls, Inc.
