Doubletree Hotel
Rocky Mount

1-800-222-TREE or
252-937-6888

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2009 Grand
Champion Trophy

 Click here 
 for details... 

Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down
October 9 & 10, 2009

The heart and soul of the Down East Festival is the cook-off event. Formerly called Pignatious, the BBQ cook-off has had 12 successful years. This year will mark the 2nd year for the new cook-off event called the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down. It is an official North Carolina State Barbecue Championship, and is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition. It is sponsored by the Rocky Mount Parks & Recreation - Special Events Division.

The event is a professional cooking competition based on KCBS categories (chicken, pork ribs, pork & beef brisket). Awards include Grand Champion, Reserved Grand Champion, and Showmanship Award. Cash awards, trophies and plaques awarded up to 10th place in each category. There will be 56 opportunities to win.

KCBS representatives will be present and judging starts at noon on Saturday, October 10, using the blind judging technique. The cookoff will be held on October 9 & 10 as a part of the Kick Off Party including the Kick Off Concert held in downtown Rocky Mount. There will be plenty of delicious food & beverages and great entertainment. This is a party you don't want to miss! Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come have some fun with your friends and neighbors.

Cook Teams & Judges - If you are interested in participating in the barbecue cookoff, visit our Applications & Forms page.

What People are Saying About This Event:

"I'm getting excited about returning to my home town for a contest. (Since Bob Melton's was my first barbecue, I'm still bias to eastern NC cue.) In fact, you'll have two judges returning home."

Dennis Daniels
Northport , Alabama

"Your trophy from last year is still the most beautiful one I have, but this one is amazing! We can't wait for your contest in October!!!"

Nelson Colwell
Old Dominion Smokehouse
Chesapeake, Virginia

"I just wanted to send a letter of appreciation for a GREAT 1st year competition. We have participated in a number of 1st year competitions that had no water or electricity set up on Thursday afternoon, and even said just find somewhere to park your trailer! These promoters evidently did not have a KCBS team advising them of the important amenities needed to run a successful event. Most of these events are no longer in existence today. I know that Roy from Tarheel Smokers was a great asset in advising you to make your 1st event a great success.

Your event will grow next year through word of mouth, so plan on growing your space and make sure to save #2 spot for the Pig Me Cooking Team. We plan on returning and know that the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down will grow to be a premiere event on our schedule. Your site was great (50 & 30Amp power - nice level location - plenty of water pressure provided) second to no other event.

Also thanks for making the trophy more special than the standard gold plastic trophy, making your trophy stand out on our trophy table. Fortunately we were able to take one home, even in such strong competition! Again, great job to your whole team and go ahead and make plans for the Pig Me Cooking Team to return in 2009."

Sincerely,

Charles R. Haynsworth, III
Pig-Me Cooking Team
Danville, Virginia