NOVEMBER 22, 2009 10AM – 5PMNOVEMBER 18 – 19, 2016 AT THE RANDY LARSON FOUR-PLEX/PLANT CITY STADIUM
1500 South Park Road/1401 Gordon Food Service Drive
2
EVENT OVERVIEW DON’T MISS OUT ON THE: •FABULOUS FOOD
•LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
•GREAT MERCHANDISE
•AND OF COURSE – FINGER LICKING GOOD BARBEQUE!
Do you make the best BBQ? If you think you do, or if you just like
to eat great BBQ, come to the 14th Annual Suncoast Credit Union
Plant City Pig Jam State BBQ Championship, brought to you by
the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. Individuals will
compete in professional, amateur, and ancillary competitions
Saturday, November 19 at the Randy Larson Four-Plex, 1500
South Park Road/1401 Gordon Food Service Drive. This qualifies
contestants for the American Royal & Jack Daniels Invitational.
The general public has the opportunity to sample some of the
best BBQ in the country! Over 15,000 people enjoyed last two
day event.
The Suncoast Credit Union Pig Jam is sanctioned by the Kansas
City Barbeque Society (KCBS). For entry information, rules, and
regulations governing each of the three categories (professional,
amateur, and ancillary), contact the Greater Plant City Chamber
of Commerce at 800-760-2315 / 813-754-3707 or
amy@plantcity.org. Over $16,450 in cash prizes will be awarded.
With professionals vying for the $3000 Grand Champion Award,
$2000 for Reserve Champion, and cash prizes through 10th place
in each of the four food categories (Ribs, Pork, Beef Brisket, and
Chicken). Prizes will also be awarded in the amateur and
ancillary competitions. Proceeds of the Pig Jam will benefit the
Chamber Scholarship Fund and other programs.
FAMILY FUN &
more to enjoy. While grills will be busy
from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., there will be live
entertainment, a rock-climbing wall,
ice cream, plus a host of additional
activities for children and adults
•Parking is $5 per vehicle
•Admission is FREE!
Friday Night 7:30 – 9:30pm
AVAILABLE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
• NAMING RIGHTS FOR
PROFESSIONAL COMPETITION – AS
• $100 PIG BUCKS
• NAMING RIGHTS FOR AMATEUR
AVAILABLE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
• 10X20 SPACE AVAILABLE
• $40 PIG BUCKS
PRESS RELEASES *
• 10X10 SPACE AVAILABLE
• $20 PIG BUCKS
REGULAR SPONSORS
CONTACT INFORMATION
GREATER PLANT CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 106 NORTH EVERS STREET PLANT CITY, FL 33563-3330
PHONE: 1-800-760-2315 OR 813-754-3707 FAX: 813-752-8793
WEBSITE: WWW.PLANTCITY.ORG (CLICK ON AREA ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS) FACEBOOK: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PIGJAM
EMAIL: JOYCE@PLANTCITY.ORG
Regular $1000 Mild $500 Plain $200 Supporter $100
Check Enclosed Yes No Invoice? Yes No
Make your selection NOW to guarantee you get the perks you want!
Booth Needed? Yes No
Electric Needed? Yes No
Water Needed? Yes No
Primary Contact On-Site
Please return this form via fax to the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce at
813-752-8793. If you have any additional questions, please contact us by calling
813-754-3707 or by email amy@plantcity.org.
Thanks for supporting Plant City’s Pig Jam!
ABOUT THE EVENT:
•The Pig Jam was established by the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce in 2002. It is always held in November, the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
•This event is a fundraiser for the Plant City Chamber.
•Plant City Pig Jam is sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society.
•The event is a sanctioned State of Florida BBQ Championship event.
•We market the event on Fox 13/Bay News 9/CBS/WQYK radio.
• Plant City Pig Jam is featured on the Charley Belcher show, Bay News 9, ABC’s Positively Tampa Bay, and other news programs the week of the event.
•There are three levels of competition: Professional, Amateur & Ancillary. •Number of Contestants by Year:
2003 - 34 pros, 10 amt (44) 2007 – 54 pros, 30 amt (84) 2011 – 46 pros, 31 amt (78) 2004 - 37 pros, 8 amt (45) 2008 – 43 pros, 22 amt (65) 2012 – 49 pros, 26 amt (75) 2005 - 43 pros, 16 amt (59) 2009 – 34 pros, 35 amt (69) 2013 – 54 pros, 30 amt (84) 2006 - 51 pros, 26 amt (77) 2010 – 49 pros, 28 amt (77) 2014 – 39 pros, 23 amt (62)
•Top competitors from all over the US have participated at our event. The following states have been represented by the Teams at the event:
Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Canada!
• A KCBS Judges School was begun in 2005 by the Chamber. Thus far, we have trained 180 people to professionally judge BBQ. By KCBS rules, each contest must have 1.7 judges per team.
•The following states have been represented by the Judges at the event: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and Canada.
EVENT LOGISTICS
Local attendance has steadily increased every year. The first year, 2003, drew approximately 5000 people. The estimated attendance for 2014 was 15,000 people.
Because we are a Certified State Championship BBQ Contest, our contest allows contestants to earn extra “points” in the annual KCBS points competition that decides the top BBQ competitors. Our Grand Champions also get an automatic acceptance into the largest KCBS tournament cook-off, the American Royal World Series BBQ Competition.
The teams that travel with RV’s arrive on Wednesday afternoon the week of the event. The majority of teams arrive on Thursday. There is a mandatory Cook’s meeting at 4:00pm and a complimentary dinner is served to the teams afterwards. KCBS “Quiet time” is 11:00pm. PCPD is onsite until 1:00am.
On Friday, volunteers arrive at 4:30pm. Saturday volunteers arrive at 7:30am, judges begin arriving at 9:00am, and the gates open to public at 10:00am.
The event runs until 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday at 5:00pm with the awards presented at 5:30pm. We award over $16,450 to competitors
We have FIVE live Bands - one Friday night and four on Saturday all performing on two stages. (Main Stage and Original Stage)
Kids can enjoy face painting, sketch artists, bounce houses, rock wall climbing, dodge ball, games, barrel train ride, bungee jumping, and much more. Bounce houses are free and there is a nominal charge for the others.
All purchases are done with “Pig Bucks”. Pig Buck stations are located at the entrances. $1 = $1 PB
Most competitors sell their bbq, and all the sides that go with it. You can buy snack samples, plates, or they will wrap some up to go. We also have food and retail (BBQ related) vendors.
h
GREETINGS
WHEREAS, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce hosted its Inaugural Plant City Pig Jam State Championship Barbeque Competition on November 22, 2003; and
WHEREAS, since 2003,the Plant City Pig Jam State Championship Barbeque Competition has brought chefs from around the United States to Plant City, Florida,In order to exhibit their extraordinary culinary skills; and
WHEREAS, the proceeds from this festival go to the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce and a local charity; and
WHEREAS, each year, the grand champion of the annual Plant City Pig Jam State Championship Barbaque Competition will move on to participate In the National Championship Conventions.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Rick Scott, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby extend greetings to all participating and attending the annual Plant City Pig Jam State Championship Barbeque Competition In Plant City,Florida.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the
Capital, this 201 day of April, In the year two thousand twelve.
c 2_ L Gover::!Or
. .
Greetings
WHEREAS, the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce will host their First
Annual BBQ Festival, November 22, 2003,in Plant City; and
WHEREAS ,the First Ar.nual BBQ Festival will bring chefs from around the United
States to Florida to show off their culinary skills; and
WHEREAS,the proceeds from this festival will go to the Greater Plant City
Chamber of Commerce and a local charity; and
WHEREAS, the grand champion of the Plant City BBQ Festival will move on to
participate in the National Championship Convention in Tennessee; . ,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeb Bush, Governor-of'the' state of Florida, do hereby
extend greetings to all participating and attending the First Annual BBQ Festival
in Plant City, Florida. ·
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I
and caused the Great Seal of
the state of Florida to be affixed at Tallahassee, the Capital,this
21st day of April in the year of
our Lord two thousand three.
. .
Two·day Plant City PigJamlivesuptoexpectations BY LINDA CHIONKENNEY In addition, four bands Cleveland Browns and
Speda!Correspondent provided entertainment Cleveland Indians," Mar­ on the jam's second day shall said.
Reviews are in for the -Mark Sprouse and the After cooking for fra- first-ever, two-day Plant Double Barrel Band, the temities in college, Mar- City Pig Jam, a state cham- Candy Greene Band, Ace shall said he now travels pionship contest that Jackson and the Jump the country for sanctioned brings amateurs and pro- Kings, and Dock 7. contests, a tradition that fessionals alike to abarbe- The main attraction, bf his 22-year-old son has cue faceoff at the Randy L. course, was the food, in- taken on aswell. I.arson Softball Four-Plex. . eluding something new "I always had it in my
Among the guests on for every taste, including blood," added Marshall, the opening night, Nov. the "Redneck Taco," billed standing.by a sampling of 21, were Plant City Com- as "a cardiologist's worst the more than 100 awards missioner Mary Mathis nightmare," with Texas he said he has accrued. and her husband, Tony, toast,pulled pork and cole- "So, here I am, 47 week- who gave a first-timer's slawand barbecuesauceon ends out of the year. I al- thurnbs-up tothe decision top.Also available at Back- ways say, 'I put some soul to hold the event over the yard Bullies BBQ was the in your bowl.'" course of two days, rather "Armadillo Egg," described Rooster Roberts' Skin than just one, which had as "a pepper stuffed with and Bones BBQ, a two- bn epractice. LINDACHIONKENNEY cheeses wrapped iri sau- time world. champi?n
This 1 the 12th year Lamarr Marshall, from ColumbuSi Ohio,with hisSmoke Shack BBQ,competed atthe sage, Wl a barbecue rub, ot of Arcadia, .offered its for th Pig Jam, but our 2014 PlantCityPigJam. wrapped m baconandthen dishes under a plthora f first time here - be- smoked forhours." banners announcmg van- cause the Florida Classic -or "backyard" -grand Chad Peterson, the force ous contest wins and hun has always been held the champion. behind Backyard Bullies, dreds of awards. same weekend and we al- Chamber President said he started out about Rooster's wife, Lisa, and ways go there," said Mary Marion Smith said Hot 10 years ago, "because I his son, Cody, were man- Mathis, about the great ri- Wachula's, under pitmas- lovedribsand Ijust wanted ning the pits Friday night. va1ry football matchup be- ter Matt Barber of Lake- to try to make my own." "This is our 12th year " at tween the Bethune-Cook - land, took home grand "It's a challenge every the Plant City Pig Jam, Lisa man Wtldcats and the champion honors. Re- time, being consistent," Roberts said. 'We've been Florida A&M Rattlers."I'm serve honors went to Chix, he added. "The secret is in here since dayone." just ad to see this Friday Swine & Bovine BBQ, un- the ribs and sauce. Ours is Life on the road followed night crowd and I can't der Mike Richterof]essup. unique. There's probably the sale of two restaurants, wait totastesomeplg. " The amateur honors went 15 spices in it" With the andtherearenow"lessthan
Likely, she was not dis- to Pig Times of Tampa, timing and heat, he added, ahandful of states we hav- appointed, ven the 65 • underJasenKane. "it'sall·complicated." en'tbeento,"sheadded. competitors on hand to Amongthe youngestrevelersatthe20 14PlantCityPig Smith said the Pig Jam Barbecue-on -the-road What makes for a win- serve their best offerings Jam were Alexander and HaileyVillon. Theirfather, Alexis, would continue as a two- is par for the course for ning entry? in a contest sanctioned by saidhespottedthesi gnfortheeventnexttocityhall . day affair. many seasoned chefs. "One year you'll make the Kansas City Barbeque · · "It went wonderfully," Such is the case for La- something with a sauce Society (KCBSJ, accord- she said, were "more than the names under which she said. "We were very marr Marshall, of Smoke and it wins," she said. ing to Arny Nizamoff, vice 100 judges .from all over professional and amateur pleased with Friday night's Shack BBQ, who said he "The next year you use the president of the Great- the United States." outfits vied for a series of attendance and everybody started cooking with his same sauce and it doesn't er Plant City Chamber of This was the place awards, including profes- loved (the night's enter- uncle at age 12 in 1978. win. It's the judges. It's all Commerce, the event's where creativity ruled sional and reserve grand tainment), the Clemons "He used to cook for about the judg. We're presenter. On hand, too, i)oth the dishes served and champion and amateur Road band." the Cleveland Cavaliers, here to please them."
FILEPHOTO
ROOTING FOR BBQ by Justin KlinelStaff Wrrrer
The Poppell I nsurance BBQ Team: (back row) Lonnie Harmon , Fred Williams, Robert Basgall;
PLANT CITY TIMES & OBSERVER FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2014
The12thannualPigJamwillbe Friday andSaturdayat theRandy L.Larson SoftballFourplex,next to Plant City Stadium.This isthefirst year that the jam has been heldfor two days.
Plant City PigJam opens Friday fortwo·day run .
BYDAVE NICHOLSON parking costs $5 per vehi- Plant CityCourier cle.
Proceeds of the Pig Jam PIANT cm - Some of will benefit chamber pro­
the best barbecue around grams. will be available at the The Pig Jam, sponsored 12th annual Pig Jam, by the Greater Plant City which for the first time Chamber of Commerce, willlast two days. is sanctioned by the Kan-
Cooking teams from sasCity Barbeque Society. across the country will Prizes in the profes­ compete for prizes and sional division include a bragging rights at the fes- $3,000 grand champion tival, which will be open award, $2,000 for reserve 5to 10p.m. Friday and 10 champion and cash priz­ a.m. to 5p.m. Saturday. es through 10th place in
Pig Jam co-founder each of the four food cat­ Mark Poppell said the egories -barbecue ribs, event was expanded from pork, beef brisket and one day to two for a num- chicken. ber of reasons, including Prizes will also be giving visitorsa better op- awarded in the amateur portunity to interact with competitions. thecooking teams. Poppell and fellow . "Once you hit Satur- Plant City resident Fred day, it's really crunch Williams help found the time for the teams," who local Pig Jam after they are busy preparing meat competed at one of the forjudging, he said. largest barbecue compe-
(front row) "Barbecue" Ben Copeland and Mark Poppell pose with local m usician and bar becue fan Cliff Brown.
Pig Jam anything hilt 'boar' Pig Jam, Plant City's favorite
barbecue festival, kicked off its firsttwo-day outingFriday, Nov. 22.
Hungry folks from all over the the country came to try award-winning barbecue, play fun games with their kids, and listen to energetic live perfor­
The teams typically titions in the country, the sell barbecue meat to Big Pig Jig in Vienna, Ga. help pay expenses, sothe They returned to Plant extra day also gives the City with a vision for a teams and other vendors local barbecue festival, the chance to make more a.pd they convinced the money,he added. chamber of commerce to
The jam will be at the throwin itssupport. Randy Larson Softb;ill The event has grown Four-Plex, 1500 S. Park everyyear. Road, next to Plant City For additional infor- Stadium. mation, call the cham-
The event features live ber of commerce at (813) entertainment including 754-3707 or go to the Pig
the Clemmons Road Jam's page on Facebook Band, plus children's ac- tivities, beer sales and, of Twitter. lcholsonTBO
comse,barbecue. dnlcholson@tampatrlb.com
mances by Clemons Road and Dock7.
Nine teams from the Plant Trish and Robert Jordan, of City area set up shop on the Smokin' Aces BBQ. grounds next to the Plant City Stadium, as well as numerous other teams from Florida and elsewhere. The real competi­ tion began Saturday, .when judges determined who cooked up the best of all the good eats. The Grand Champion was the HotWachulas.
The pig hats were popular and worn al l over the grounds.
David Miles, of Strawberry Town BBQ -the artists for­ merly known as Smokin' N th1 Boys' Room.
Pig latin and fow l language
he recent Pig Jam, sponsored by the Great­ er Plant City Chamber of Commerce, was a mouth-watering, belt-loosening success.
Pictured, Mark Poppell, left, and Ben Copeland, of Poppell Insurance from Plant City, cook up their chicken for the judges. Poppell isone of Pig Jam's founders. Story, Page1l
Don't miss out Tickets for Strawberry Festival headline
acts go on sale Monday at 8 a.m. Details,Page 6
Inside Scho:ilMenus, 2
PLANTCITY.TBO.COM
EMILIEPLANTS E
8 Tom Spanola of the BBQ Bones team of Plant City, cooks up ribsatthe ninth annual PigJam atthe Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex.The Nov.19 celebration was spon­
t-
Jeff Cayer, a member of theSwinos barbecue team from Lakeland,shows off the team's pinkJeep.
sored bythe Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
Thousands pigout at annual barbecue feast
BY EMILIE PLANTS some steam," said team Specialcorrespondent member Jeff Cayer, who is
band director at South- PIJ\NTCITY -The Wolfe west Middle School in
family came to the Pig Jam Lakeland. for the obvious -to chow Greater Plant City down on some good bar- Chamber of Commerce becue. They had no idea President Marion Smith their taste buds would en- estimated a record 15,000 counter Redneck Salad, a spectators were on hand concoction that includes for the ninth annual Pig pulled pork, French fries, Jam at the Randy L. Larson melted cheese, jalapenos Softball Four-Plex. and barbecue sauce. "The beautiful weather
"The pulled pork is nice brought outa lot of people and juicy," said Melanie, this year," Smith said. as she shared spoonfuls "They were coming early with her daughters Lily, 4, and staying late." and Kaitlyn, 10. More than 75 teams of ......___L;......_ _ ___.,..._--'
The Swinos cooking cooks competed for cash
Pig Jam winners
Reserve GrandChampions:Fatt Ashes
Fourth Place:Swamp Boys
Backyard Division
Grand Champions:Swinos
Third Place:Newman Boys Gone Hog Wild
Fourth Place: TECO Fired and Wired BBQ
team, creators of the Red- and trophies, she said. neck Salad, enjoyed a Many of the teams sold
MelindaCollins ,who lives In Georgia, enjoys an ear of corn atthe Pig Jam.The annual celebration of barbecue
Fifth Place: Hogs Gone Wild BBQ
steady stream of custom- samples to spectator­ included a selectionofmany foods. ers for not only salad but s.Cheryl Carlisle, her son catures, face painting, air gory in a children's barbe­ also ribs and other barbe- Nathan, her daughter Les­ "ffs only 11 a.m. and screen TV. brush tattoos, rock clim­ cue contest. cue. The team members, lie, and their friend Gayle we're already eating. We The bands "Ace" Jack­ bing and bungee jumping. "I think it was my spe­ who work in such profes- Gaither walked the aisles can't wait to try more of son and the Jump Kings It wasn't all fun and cial sauce. Ifs a
secret," sions as law enforcement just taking in the atmo­ the foods," Gaither said. and the Double Barrel games for MacKenzie she said, holding her and sales when they aren't sphere. Barbecue was the main Band entertained, while Criss, 10, of Winter Haven, dachshund, Nathan. behind the grill, enjoy "It smells so good," said attraction, but the Nov. 19 folks kicked back and who cooked up her best Michele Miller of St.Pe­ sharing their craft. Cheryl as the barbecue
"We do this to get away smoke hit her from every festival also included fami­ ly fun and even college
munched on barbecue. A children's play area
chicken and won first place and a goodie bag in
tersburg enjoyed petting a large cockatoo that drew a
from our jobs and blow off side. football games on a big offered moonwalks, cari- the "Anything Goes" cate- BARBECUE,Page
11
z
number of the visitors' at­ tention.
Miller, who used to cook, was there for the barbecue showdown.
"This is a big champi­ onship, and I had to come see who wins,'' she said.
Plant City barbecuing trio Mark Poppell, Ben Co­ peland and Fred Williams of the Poppell Insurance team cooked up their fin­
festival, which is sanc­ tioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.
Paul Paquette of St. Pe­ tersburg returned for the third year to serve on the judging panel.
Paquette said his job is contained in the acronym, 'AT&T, which stands for appearance, texture and taste ."
"You have to ask your­ self three main questions. ls it something that could belong on a cooking mar­ quee or is it just there?
Judging coordinator Mi- en," he said. TI chael Cameron monitored Verna Jordan of Bran­ the judges , while enjoying don was pleased with her the unique styles of barbe- meal from Smokin' J's. cue being sold on the "I had the ribs and corn grounds. on the cob. It's my first
"There's a lot of inter- time here and I'm enjoying esting foods out there, like it. The food is very good."
the Redneck Salad. I en- she said. joyed it too!It's awesome!" Other interesting menu he said. items on the grounds in-
Melinda Collins and her eluded pulled pork nachos father Don Woolard were from Fat Maggie's of Lake­ in the area for work and land and barbecue egg decided to try out the Pig rolls from Kick Yo Butt
Jam. BBQ of Eagle Lake. a
"The corn is excellent," A shocking surprise was m (/) est barbecue.
"We're trying harder to give the judges the best
That's the appearance. Is it firm,without being too dry
a said Collins, of Georgia, as fried froglegs from Second -
she munched on a large Hand Smoke. z
thing they ever put in their nor too mushy? That's the ear. "Everyone says it tastes ;::
mouths," said Copeland, texture. And finally, is it "I had the three meat like chicken," said Jasmyn "m '
"
finishing touches on their chicken.
Poppell and Williams are the founders of the Pig Jam and have competed annually since its incep­ tion.
More than 90 judges cri­ tiqued the entries in the
much barbecue sauce? Does it have a great smoked flavor? That's the taste," he said.
Judging was a family af­ fair for John Michael She­ nefield, his nephew James Shenefield, and James' fa­ ther Jim Shenefield.
potato salad. I'd definitely inch breaded and fried come back," said Woolard, frog leg. who lives in Ohio. Plant City natives Joyce
Paul McKinely of Smo- Brown and her 6-year-old kin' J's BBQ from Detroit granddaughter Gillian served up what he called Brown were pleasantly Southern barbecue, which surprised to find a sweet included pork or ribs with Plant City favorite - baked beans, corn and col- strawberry shortcake.
EMILIE i>LANTS
'
categories of chicken, ribs, brisket and pork. The teams were divided into a Backyard division and a Professional division at the
"We skipped breakfast. Bring on the food," said James, as each prepared to sample and judge two pounds of meat.
Jard greens. "I thought we'd only ABOVE: The PigJam's entertainmentincluded sax- His favorite menu item find barbecue," Joyce said. ophone music by Paul McGoldrick of the band Ace Jack-
was the "Oh My God Bur- "This is even better," son & The Jumpkins. BELOW LEFT: Rene Bernier, left, ger." said Gillian with a holding daughter Andrea, and Herman Pollard, with wife
"It's one pound of heav- whipped-cream grin. Aja enjoy ribs. BELOW RIGHT:Rhianna Parker, 3, and sister Brianna, 6, mug for the camera in their pighats.
see for anyone who likes
>> GOOD EATS by Matt Mauney IAssociate Editor
Pig Jam celebrates 10th anniversary IF YOU GO WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 17
WHERE: Randy
About 80 teams from throughout the country will heat up Plant City's annual barbecue taste fest.
"This is a great barbecue competition
that has grown a great reputation over
the years."
host Pig Jam,a sanctioned Kansas
City Barbecue Society competition and
event, Nov. 17, at the Randy Larson
Softball Four-Plex.
the city for the annual event, which
will feature more than 80 teams from
throughout the state and the country,
including Arkansas, North Dakota and
Kansas. These teams represent bar­
becue cooks and enthusiasts from the
amateur to the professional levels.
Last year's event attracted more
than 15,000 barbecue fans, said
Marion Smith, president of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
know how it's going to turn out. The first year was great, and we've been
steadily growingevery year since."
Professional teams will compete for
cash prizes totaling $16,000, with $3,500 going to the grand champion.
A variety of meats will be prepared by
competitors, including chicken, ribs
also will be awarded prizes.
Mark Poppell, vice president of
Poppell Insurance in Plant City, and
his cooking partner, Fred Williams,
have been competing in the event
since it began.
"It's great to have an event like this right here in Plant City," Poppell said.
Pig Jam is an official KCBS compe­
tition, requiring professionally trained
Because of this, the event attracts
some of the best barbecue cooks
and chefs around, including several
who have been featured on television
shows on the Travel Channel and the
Food Network.
to come out and try barbecue prepared
by people they watch on TV," Poppell
said. "They even have the chance to
meet some of them after the competi­
tion and chat with them. That 's a neat thing to have here in our town."
COST: Admission is
offerings from the
music and barbecue­ related vendors, plus
"It's a great event and a mu__st-t-.-.!'-'1!llllrlll I barbecue," Smith said.
Plant City hosted the
with about 60 teams and 5,000 people attending.
"The first year, we were
amazed," Smith said. "Anytime
In addition to all the mouth­
watering eats, Pig Jam wi II
feature plenty of act ivities for
children, including a rock­
climbing wall, moonwalks, sno-cones
live music and barbecue-related
chamber and its programs.
plenty of activities for
754-3707
MacDonald
''The b11s1111'ss l111d grown to tlll' 11oint wlll'r<' it's ,,,.,,.,. tlran Irn11
J1t111d fr, and / 111'1'1il'1I '"""'body to do t/11' 11ick, 11ack a11d ,/1ip so Irnu co11crntrnte 011 till' sell mg. Tiley do a 1>enj fi11<' JOI>."
Training Center, Inc.
A°l! OT3'.Si
while providing affordable and professional services for our
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MTC is proud to provide a variety of quality business services to
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TI1e dedication aud prof essionalism of evenj 011e tlt the MacDonald Trai11i11g Ce11ter
speaks volum1•s about the organizatio11. We lookfonvard to 111a11y more years of tl1is m11t11ally beneficial partrrership." (ff
many localand nationalcompanies includingthe followingf irms: / emr !f er Olsorr, Deputt; fa ecrrtive Director/COO JU1 9
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Is there something we can do for you? For more information please contact: Tom Moylan, Project Manager 813 870-1300 ext.281• Tmoylan@Macdonaldcenter.org
(813) 752-6508 I Fax (813) 752-8851
2902 Cork Road • Plant City
2012 HOLIDAY SEASON GUIDE 3
What goes better with barbecue than fresh com on the cob? Vendor Roger Wynn was all ears at the event
voritP cooking compPti­ Christopher. SomP com­ tion in Flo1ida" petitors had colorfttl
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Mi : - • l3al&M Search online tort he latest breakin_g news:.
want to ha first?
bargains already are lining up outsicle Best Buy. P.:ag• !5
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Visitors pig out in Plant City Chainber's ba:rbecue
contest and fund:raiser is inits 10th year
BV .JOHN C£8A U..OS The ntimpa Tribune
Fl.ANT crrv - Stravvberries migtl't be synonymous with this city in eastern Hillsborough. County. but it "Was the sweet. smoky smell of barbecue that captured hearts, minds and stomachs Saturday.
'Iha Greater Plant City Ch.am­ ber of Cornmerce"s annual Pig Ja.m barbecue cont est show­ cased st"yies troin across the couttry. It was the 10thyear for the tarnlly- friendly event held at the Randy L Larson Soltball
-We have newlogos this and¥ri.Je •re goingto do somah..ing to honor teams fuait ha'V'e been coming and competing for all 10 of those years."" said Marion Smith... the chamber's presiden4 shortlybefore Saturday"s event.
Smith said 75 teams compet­ ed in this years contest."\Nhich is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. Amateur and professional entrants compete in four categories: chicken. ribs. pork bu.tt and beef brisk.et. Each dish is judged on appearance. texture/tenderness and taste. Entrants compete for $16.500 in prizes and trophies.
-in these things. it's al"""'8.ys ha.rd to tell"' said. John sger of
:!Uo1;1 !: · s
Barbecue 1!
E! From Page 1 (:
stuff and you don't win anything;then other times you turn in somethi.ng thal's nol so good and you end up winning some­ thing."
TIIis the eighth year Swager has allen<le<l the Pig Jam, competing in sev­ en and se1ving as a judge in another. He originally is from Fo1t Worth but now Jives in Bradenton.
Swager said Texas-style barbecue is characterized hy thP llSP. of m Psq11itP, and brisket instead of pork.
flilny PivPr of Ti!r HP-Pl Cookers brings Nonh Car­
The real winners, of
COi !TSP.. WPrP. thoSP. who attended the 10 a.m. to 5
names such as Habeas Pork11s iln<l R11h MP TPn­ der.
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The Pig Jam wasn't all about food_ There was fun, too. t­
Comar Scott, 5, of Plant City,flies high Saturday_ E
olina flavor -vinegar in­ stead of tomato sauce-to
p.m.event and got to taste top-notch bamecue.
ln addition to the com­ petition, there was a chil­
'!here was a draWing for a 8ig Green Egg grill pack­
"'lhe attendance contin- d
the savory proceedings.
"'lhis event is so well­ 'Tm actually really en­
joying the names of all the dren's area with rock clim­ bing and games, as well as
age and a 50-quart YETI cooler, both donated by
Jam keeps getting bigger T every year," Smith said. 3
run, and I really enjoy the different barbecue places," music by "Ace" Jackson the Hay Exchange in Plant "'lhis is getting to be the i: people and the friendli­ ness of this town," said Piver, who is based in Port St. Lucie. "1his is my fa-
said Chrtstine Hammen of Lakeland, who attended the event with her hus­ band, C.J ., and their son,
and the Jump Kings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and the Candy Greene Band from 2 to5 p.m.
City. Proceeds from the drawing will benefit the Plant City Chamber Foun­ dation's scholarship fund.
biggest event we do." 1=
jceballos@tamputrib.com
Specialto Hem011ndo Today
here will be finger-licking fun for all ages at thel Oth annual Plant City Pig Jam State B BQ Champ ionship on Saturday.
Teams of backyard barbecuers and serious veterans from all over the country will converge on Plant City to compet e for $16,000 in cash priz­ es, trophies, ribbons and bragging rights at this Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctione d compe­ tition. Last year, 78 teams fired it up at Pig Jam.
COCHON 1, Page 2
Fllf PHCJro
TOm Spanolaof the BBQ Bones team was amon<g:::.;,..- the cooksat last year'S PigJam.
Cookln' From Page 1
The c_;rand Cluunpion winner a t lhis eve.ell will he inVit.cd t.o participat.c in the p1estigiou sAtnerican Royal \1Vorld Se1ies of Ka rhccu c n ext. fall in Kan­ sas City, Mo.
Pig J;un is from 10 a..rn. to s p.m. at the Randy L. I .arson Snl'tha ll 1-'0111 - P lcx, 1500 S. Park noad i11 Pla11l City. The event is hosted hy the Crca 1·cr Plant City Ch at:nbei: of Cvr n rtlt'rce.
At the event. the public v1tiU feast on son1e of this coun lrv's besl slovv-an<.l­ lo"v-cooked ba rbecue ribs, pork, briskt.:-t nnd chicken, and plenty of side dishes, including roasl.P.d corn , c:olcsll1\"" and noraro salad.
Th ey can cons11 1 wll h l h c b<u-becucrs, loo, abou l "INood vs. charcoal, hu111ld­ ily, ha.slin g, n u rnbcr of tu .n1s and othe1·tecb.u.iq u e issues.
Kids '\!\rill have their own child1·en's play a1·ea "INhere there will be •-1 rock clim­ bingwall, moon "\Naik and othe1·<1ctivitles. Ace J ack­ son and The Ju mp Kings and the Candy Green Kan rl \.V II he the l ivr. cn­ lcrlai 11r11cn l on-slagc fur the event.
An actdcrl fcann:r. t hjs year iis lh8 nevv 1.. c,,;!';eel
and BBQ sauce competi ­ tion.- Alnffteu r bakers and saLtce c l<>rs cart ertter 1.h P-ir favoril.P. rP-cipes for a cb.nncc to win up to $100.
There is also a rattle, th anks l o The Tlay Ex­ chan!!c. whic:h d on ar.cd a
l arge Ti i g Crc cn F.gg gr·ill pack.a ge and a 50-qu art YJ::. 'I® cooie1-. Tickets ai·e $10 each and rn u y he pur­ chased at the l'lant City Cha111ber or <il Pig J a.rn. vVinners \""111 be chosen at the end of the event.
Admission lo Pig Jam is free; parkingis $!> ">cr vehicle. P1·oceeds benefit lhe Greater Plartl Cily Chamber of Com m erce's Sc h olarship 1-'11nd an d olhcr p rograrns.
For more information, conta ct The Cn-.a tcr P.l an1· Cily Ch a.r nbci: al (Ol:J) 754-'. 707 or log on to 'W\.V"IA"-Plantcity.org. Folln-1.v Pig Jani on Twill8r al W'llVVV .l.vviI!er.corn I Planl Cicyl'igl am,or become n fan on f'acebook at www .facP.bonk.corn I Pi t:>'l an,.
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Smoking aficionadosare fiockingto Plant City for the 10th annual J>jg .J am.
Barbecuemarathonfiresup
PLl\NT CITI7
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Plant City's 10th hey strut setting up a full day beforeand keep
watch through the night to make surethe
nreirn1i1y lit. • \\ry1ilemo1.people1!le' climb­
ing inlo bed, lhey're heaving hunk8 of beef
bri8kN and pork sl10ulrler on to heavy-d\lly rad<s r.akcd
\\ith sool, like lar on 11cmm lry road. • Al lht annnal
Pig.Jam,\\11111. stttrtc<l < an e 1w1iment 10hoosl iomisrn
nineyearsagoltt lmnc<l in to a ihri\ ngannualcompeti­
tion 111th $16,500 in p1ize money,trophiesandall-impor­
tant braggingrights at stake.
lllCll IUVLS IImes
Bill Tew turned a eommeial refrigerator into a smoker."Itwolb ptetty good compared to all thestOle·bou ones I've tried '
SK V UlOUlllKt 111\0S
"There's almost something primal about It, something about guys and fte,"Plant City's Davy Milessays aboit barbecuing.
annualPig Jam
When:10a.m.to5p.m. Saturday
Admis sion:Free
MorelnfonnaUon: facebook.com/pigjam
Offiri1tlly s;111ctin11 il hy the ·111en at p.m., u1ejudges flip lol' &!Lling Lhls oneou1, but Uiat has included family membc1 said."There's a very tough field
Kansas City llarbeque Society, open the coolers to inspect e1.ch never enters h ismind. and hisgirlfri end, Lea AnneLeit· of barbecuers ln th i sarea'.' Lhe da)'long tournamcnt lhal conlc&Lant's quarry, pa.rlli• to The 1l-ycar-0ld ear Mlffil1an ncr. Among tho&c competingwill
Occasionally, he hearsal'gu· ments from purists who insist on split logs,butlcw sa)'swood
!lmwslornlly:md from ru:m 1tl1e ens11r th tmprrntrn imide rnps to the evnt's rxh1111sti11K h101tolwr, 11 took ii11il 11l:u:e lll!a q11iet, 22 .1•r:u ·111!l la111I s11r· prlifts11mk .i11!t. 1L1wl'IL Heop OllHlfY R.warc1s pli7 S for pork hasn't hom nhove40 rlrwm nM111 .rna1le all the niore rlif· for ri RI. thr Grilli11 n' rhil li n veyornAJnerl 8ill 1w.
sho11lder (o[ J!O rkbutt),nbs,l cf but.also tu lltle 110 one has 111<tri· llcult. licaus he doesn't own UUQCompetition al LakeAlfroo Tew competed for the Iil'sl brisket 1L111idli1:kr11. rn1te1J m te111l rri1 d tlwir mi'ilt illl RV, 111ei111i11g·he 1·an eithrr in Polk Count )'.Barlll!1:11lr1g, hr time li1st yrilr, hurrnwin a
Morr than l:i,000 propI r and a.hr:ul of f.l'.he<l11le in 1iolation of piti'.h a tent o r ratd1 r.11 11a ps in s.1ic1, hri n s out h is ompetit.ive smoker from n frirnrl. He'ssinrr 70 liurl.!ecu< te ms arc exp<ctell therul<s. tile biickse<tt of hisDodge faro side. ilcqulrell one of hisown: u11ol<l
for1Jf,1r,h wood,chm)', me!(lu ite
andwmctimcshicko1ypclk ts. llrspite tile army of fuel
rhokrsaml rn hli a11<l 111.1 rinmlrs. su,'Cess Q[ failure at tileJu 111 can
ill the :\atunhLy emit ill thf Aftfr tliiit,thegrillmgdlll!V· Sl'.V: Grillr.1bl'a11 ;uise n•ery 2 to "l dun't k1111w ii it's the com· 1lu11hlrilom;Kt1inltlls stedcom· 11fte11 lli11ge ii!ti111i11ga11d Mn· Randy L. U\rson Soflllall Four· lng:nibbing, trimming, chop- 3hOUl'SlO6lDkc lbC fir<' lO keep pctl1lon orjttsl feeling Ured,but morclaJ n;fr ra1or that heout· pffat11rr. Cooki nf, tl1r meilt Plex,1500 S P.1rk Ruad.mien it pi1ig,l!tiuhigand marh1athig, their smoketsat aco11s ta11t 225 you kind of get Into a zoue;•11e fitted with a hopper and an first st1rte<l iu 21Xl3,aho11t ,\',OOIJ Off to the side of tl1fir 11u111· Iii275ilfg'fel!S. said."Tl1m's;Llmust something 1L11ger to ffetl wood pellets onto people&11owcd. bcrcd grilling slaUons ll lhe in a previous llfc, Mlle&' Pl'imalaboulil, oomclhingabout a burner. Ile ordered Lhc parts
"We do it because we like to smokers, ome the lze of VW 6mokerserved as a clotllhigand guysand fire:' online.The total cost, b1cludhig doil.We do it IX'L'<.1USC WC like lleellc&,a&well as&lacksof peach &11oe drop-Off bin,lbc kindfound Ligh t bcancd at first, the 1hc!ridge:$800. Lo compc1c:'sald .\ ark Poppell, wood, chcn-y, hieko1y,oak and inparkinglots. mood can lurn seriousby Ille "l didn't have an)'lhlng else
too lougcan makeit tough a11d stringy.Pullit o11t of the smokrr too&OOll and ll can alTlYCat Lhe Judges' tableafewdegreesbelow U1cir liking.
Along 11iU1Ilal'or ai1d LCx tmc, .1n insn rnn e salesman and har· mrS(] llite, thr srlrr tion rlfnrl· 'It was ;Uian<lonrc1 anrl some· timethe judgesstartscmUnlzing and thoughl IL would bea lit· they're &lrlct on prescnt.a Uon. bceue afic ionado who helped ingon U1c llavurs thegrillers aim oneWllS&ellingU1eproperl) 'he every nibble. Theslightest 1•aria· lie more ftm to ma.kc ilthan buy launch Lhc PigJam wiLh fellow lllinml c. Mid.'IboughliL LWU wecaf lCI' lion can sqiaraLC wlnne1 from somclhing alreacly made;·he Pla11t ri t\' resi c1Pn t FrP<l Wil · Ryrnicln i ht or1 a.111.,h1111krnf thf Pi .fam!' rn11ners·11p. 1iil. "It works prflty ood nm·
liams."t:ach year,il's gotten big· porkshoulder,butt and herrbris- That Wll-1 four yea.rsago.rle's Some l'illers swear by split pa.red to all the store-bought ger :111Clbiggd' ketget tJiled inw thr 2.10dfgrel! been hooke<l 011 h:u 1:11e rvrr log\. .Otl1ers11sr wood pellet1or orws l've trit11:'
Tlw thmn whommf to lfilSt ovensto sliut tl1r 12·to 14·hour si11I'. The smo kf r sits 1111 IL fol'llS p ri11111rily Oii T1lil rin:11l s m1 fls alluw llim to lllilllell· anc1 pir.k npgrillin ti ps likeli• cookin. p rocess.'l'hf ribs and trniter so itr.in hauledtorom· and rnlJs.illl 1t, ree on the pri· ver t ile hnlkydevir.e. He ttsfs a ilre unawareof th< belli111l-tl1<· chicken, which don't tiike as petitions. At 7 feet higl1, it's tou maty oi meat selection. Hies hydraulic lift to lua<l it onto a
Parsley ls the onlygarnish per· milled.
''Thr \\ll11it f lhll(isWilf llYOll
seesomethingcomeback.That means lhe1wasa problem ancl tlwj11il s rej !'(:lfil i1:'1Pwsi1ill.
Sn fA.r 1hat hasn't. hlllJpr.nerl lO
him.Like Mill:'S, h lnLd plarmed SCf lleS maratl1011 tlmt Ol'C lll'S l1111K,01111 thf 11rxt momi1\11;. rnll fortl1eir;a rn i':Lt IdsWi1lilr11 b11ys 11is mfat twu to thref il:tys tru1:k l:irrnmpetitim1s. Iiitn1rdi:1sr liis 111ei1tsWe1lr1es· before tl1ey anive.Tue competl· ll makes for a long, hol, L home,sohe keeps it locked in advance Lo ensure a wide Tew8a.ld heand grlll!t buddy tion gets setiousthe<l11y l!efot , exhausting iHl<l meosful 4 inalx1m. selertiun.:lile<1t i:omes scarce Charlie Pippin, friends since Iir&lwllh theoff.loading of gear: hours.Ancl w!Lh the expense of 'it'shi i'r th1u1:1 friilg,''he thr ilay h iorr thr fon. inl'e thfy wer 10,will 1111rk in shifl smokers, lee.pit bags, tables, entry le,meal,wood,trmf.por· Mld. competing,hesa.ys,he's formed through the night and lhe ardu·
day. Last year, he waited too Imig an<l got stuGk wid1alimit selc.1·ti1111
"Ninety percent of thegame ls tents, lawn chairs, k1dves,tong , talion aJ1d ref reshments,the tlb :.m: escompeted 111the Pig Jam friendsMps witl1butchers atFel· ous next day. Thei• call them· ttial and errot;'he sai<l. '''Youj ust ca.sa.ofwaLCrandcoolerspacked for a day of barbecuing eai1&Ur· once and one year sc1Ycd as a ton'sMarket in PlanLCiLY. selves llolloway Ilea named for wiU1Ice-chilled meat. Some sea· pass $1,000, nol lncluding the Judge. About two ycal'6 ago, he 'The fil' l year was pretty lhc PlantC!tyst1'Ccl lheyllvcon. sonert grillers wheel up to 1he cost()f lhesmoker.ilSelf. set npa racrbook page, 8mokin rough on me. Uut the second "We Just liked to cook and competition in tricked-out RVs, L:i1w tilerigor&,no one wottlcl n the boys room, nan1cd for his )"Car l went to ajudge's school decided to do il one year," he Lowing U1eh·gt'arbeltlnd lhcm. fault Dav)·Miles of Plant City barbecue Leam, which at limes and lcanxxlabout LCchnlque;·he said.
hm IDgoout thereand try it."
Rich Sho scaiioo maciif,d at
r!lil![ilJs@l'!lmJlaiJ<lJJ.COmor {Rl.l}fifi '4.''i4.
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Pl.ANT OTY AT Tl Ir ·· ?!' ''Y\z_ \!.. a'" 11·· ,. J l"
. : ·a "' ;· PIG JAM
Where: Ramy la!-
Cost free: $5 to paJk; (813)754-3707
Barbecue teams vie to outdo each other at the annual grill fest
.. ..-;;:--:;';-:".'""'i'
PINH cm-The quest for perfect
barbecued ribs. chicken, brisket and pulled pork continues here Saturday at the 9• annual Pig Jam.
The air al this festival of meats \\ill be thick with smoke as more than 70 competitors from throughout nation
He says the event is modeled after
The Big Pig Jig in Vienna, Ga. Held in the fall, the Big Pig Jig is in its30" year. •That event has grown to a three­
or four-day festival 1vith 100 compet­ itors and 30,000 visitors,"says Pop­ pell. 'We're in a perfect location to grow, too."
Plant City's Pig Jam is sanctioned and Florida compete for trophies and by the Kansas City Barbecue Society $16,000 in cash.
But the real "inners are the cus­ tomers who gel lo sample a »ide variety ofOavors.
Unlike some barbecue events where spectators ha;·e to purchase a hall or whole slab of ribs, the Pig Jam
and the judges take it seriously. •They are trained to gradeon taste,
tenderness and appearance," says Stephen Smith, of Ocala, a former National Barbecue Champion and Master Judge. 'By tendernes s.I don't mean how soft it is, but hm\1 close the
encourages vendors to sell •samples" meat comes to being perfectl y cooked -such as one rib for one buck.
Make that a •Pig Buck" because you trade in your cash for play pig money to buy thing; at thi s evenL
rn; i.ITt" !! tyuurf:ot
- not overdone or underdone."
Smith, who teaches KCBS judginr, has been associated \\1th the Pi g Jam
, :eb J . Smith says that when il comes lo
taste, the meal should have a blend :; a tk!d' o= ty of fwe tastes- sweetness, sourness.
Polk City's Southern Smoke was among m""' than 70 teams that competed in th• barb!!Cll• cnntest at last year's Plant City Pig Jam.
Mark Poppel\ one of the founders of the Plant City Pig Jam, held a class on preparing barbecue ID< competi­ tion.As part of the class, he showed studMts how to garnish chickM for judges.
the annual event. He also competes in it and reportedly makesa mean brisket.
The m'Ont is free, \\1th only a $5 charge for parking. Local bandspro­ vide the music. There's entenain­ rnent for kids. But the star of the event isthe food.
"Last year, we probably served 15,000 people over the course of a day," says Poppell.
salty, biller and urnarni (savoriness). There are other food items (try the
roasted com) and bm"erages for sale at the evenL Activities for the chil­ dren include a play area n;th rock cu rnbinr, moon walk and other activ­ ities. There's also a TV lent for sports fans.
All proceeds benefit the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce's scholarship fund.