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Florida BBQ Association

Pigz in Z’Hills festival postponed until April

January 12, 2021 By Kevin Weiss

Like so many other major events throughout the Tampa Bay area, the 11th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest will be forced to make many adjustments in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The largest annual event in Zephyrhills — which was slated for Feb. 27 — has been tentatively postponed until April, in the name of health and safety. Exact dates, times and a location are still to be determined, as are ticket and parking prices.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors agreed on the postponement in mid-December, after consulting with medical professionals and event partners, according to a chamber news release.

This year’s Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest may feature a socially distanced car drive-in concert format with local or Florida-based bands only. But, there won’t be the other usual frills like a prized BBQ team competition, car show, cornhole tournament, business expo, or kids fun zone. (File)

The BBQ festival’s reboot will take on a different flavor in 2021 compared to past years — possibly focusing on just a drive-in concert and drive-thru BBQ meal pickup.

More concrete details will be hammered out following another board meeting in late January, where final event recommendations will be agreed upon, Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Director Melonie Monson told The Laker/Lutz News in a recent interview.

Multiple proposals already have been discussed with Pigz in Z’Hills committee members and chamber leaders on the best approach.

One general concept that has been floated includes having attendees simply “drive through a line and pick up their BBQ, and then park and stay in their cars and listen to a concert,” Monson said.

But even this plan and its logistics have been questioned, as Monson said organizers “really struggled with some of the concept and the concern, so I think we’re back to square one of how we can do this in a COVID world and ensure safety.”

“The board really wants to be extra cautious, for sure,” she added.

Much concern from the board lies with the hundreds of volunteers who help make the event possible, Monson said. A point already has been made to excuse any youth and elderly helpers for this year’s festival, she said.

Said Monson: “That’s where a lot of it plays out — is can we guarantee safety to the people volunteering all day? You know, that’s the bottom line when it comes to things.”

Should a makeshift food and music show go on in some way or another, only local or Florida-based bands would be showcased for the event, Monson said.

Meanwhile, a final menu is being completed.

To do this, the chamber is collaborating with three of its regular cooking teams to serve up various offerings for attendees, perhaps an entrée choice of ribs, barbecued chicken or pork with various sides and drinks.

Aside from heaps of food and live music, Pigz in Z’Hills typically features a prized BBQ cookoff contest, car show, cornhole tournament, business expo, kids fun zone and tours of the Zephyrhills Military History Museum.

Those are off the table for the festival this year — though some type of combined car show and cornhole tournament may be organized through the chamber for sometime this summer, Monson said.

Event organizers have reached out to would-be BBQ competitors with information on refunds and to sponsors about being a part of the hybrid event.

A community staple and major fundraiser
Pigz in Z’Hills has not only been cemented as a community entertainment staple over the years, but also is a major fundraiser for student scholarships, and about a dozen nonprofits and community organizations, such as Boy Scouts, East Pasco YMCA, and Relay for Life of Zephyrhills, to name a few.

The chamber director acknowledged funds raised from this year’s BBQ event “is going to be very minimal,” but expressed confidence there’ll be enough in the coffers to continue the Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund and Citizen of the Month programs.

To help make up for other anticipated funding shortages, Monson said the chamber in February is launching a campaign called “Love Your Non-Profit” that will showcase different organizations and solicit public donations for each.

Said Monson: “We’re going to spotlight the nonprofits that usually get the money (made from Pigz in Z’Hills) and really hope that the public will say, ‘Oh yeah, we recognize they’re not going to be able to get what they’re used to; we can help, too.’”

The BBQ shindig has grown substantially since its debut in 2011 — when it drew about 2,500 patrons.

Well over 10,000 people have attended in recent years at its usual staged location of 5200 Airport Road, across from the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport — including a record-high of about 13,500 attending in 2019.

The momentum carried into the event’s 10th anniversary celebration last January, drawing roughly 11,000 people.

The chamber had hoped to build on the string of successes and find a way to bring some normalcy to the area by holding the festival and all its familiar fixins’, but the recent rise in COVID-19 cases and vaccine delays forced organizers to pivot completely, Monson said.

Expected to be a much smaller turnout this year, the chamber director noted any hybrid festival would be considered “a huge success” if anywhere from 300 to 500 tickets get purchased.

“It’s real disappointing, but we recognize we’re not the only ones going through this, and we will rebound,” Monson said.

There’s confidence brewing that the BBQ extravaganza will get back on track by 2022, however.

That’s because next year’s Pigz in Z’Hills has been selected to host the Florida BBQ Association State Championship.

Monson said the showcase could draw upward of 65 top-notch BBQ teams from around the state, with a purse of at least $10,000 for the winner. The event is tentatively scheduled for Feb. 26, 2022.

“It will bring in competitors that we’ve never had before from throughout the state, which is exciting,” said Monson.

The chamber leader also noted that the event will be a solid marketing tool for Zephyrhills, at large.

She expects that television exposure and coverage of the event will offer a great opportunity “to showcase our little city.”

For more information, call 813-782-1913, or email .

Published January 13, 2021

A sizzlin’, smokin’ and searin’ good time

January 22, 2020 By Christine Holtzman

Thousands of people headed out to the 10th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival for a common reason – to listen to live Blues music, while enjoying barbeque chicken, pork and brisket.

With a loaded baked potato from Sadie’s Roasted Corn LTD in hand, Michael Harper, of Hudson, feeds a bite to Leslie, his wife of eight years. The duo also tried out the corn on the cob, which they both said was delicious. (Christine Holtzman)

The event, presented by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, took place on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18 at the Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road.

The People’s Choice dessert competition was held on Jan. 17. A steak competition and kid’s grilling competition, both sanctioned by the Steak Cookoff Association, also were held that evening. A cornhole tournament with a $500 purse and the music of live, local bands rounded out the evening.

The Smoke Shack’s John Caldwell uses a large knife to chop up some brisket that has been slow cooking for 18 hours. Caldwell, who travels all over the country competing in barbeque events, spends his time between his homes in Lakeland, Florida; Mobile, Alabama; and, Columbus, Ohio.

The main event on Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featured the delicious food offerings of 60 professional and backyard barbeque teams. They were competing for a share of the $10,000 in cash prizes and bragging rights. The competition is approved by the Florida BBQ Association.

While tucking into their delicious plates of barbeque, attendees were entertained by some top Blues musical acts, including The Sauce Boss, Chris Walker Band, Sean Chambers, and Chuck Riley’s All Stars.

Besides sampling the barbeque, event-goers could visit the Kids Zone, complete with games, bounce houses and a rock-climbing tower. Those attending also could check out a Business Expo, which featured numerous local businesses and vendors with products available for sale. Other options included a Swine & Shine Car Show, access to the Zephyrhills Military History Museum, and another cornhole tournament with a $1,000 purse.

Published January 22, 2020

Twelve-year-old Erin Potter, left, presses lemons, while 7-year-old Aspen Bahr takes orders for cups of freshly squeezed lemonade. The girls are both from Zephyrhills and are helping out at Aspen’s Uncle Kevin’s business, Bahr’s Smokin Butts. Potter estimates that she has squeezed over 100 lemons in a three-hour span.
Deb Cadieux, of Zephyrhills, left, and her husband, Doug, clap at the end of Sean Chambers’ performance of his original song, ‘Red Hot Mama.’ The duo, both dressed in tie-dye T-shirts, were dancing in the special area in front of the stage that was reserved for dancing.
Billboard charting artist and Florida native Sean Chambers, left, jams out on stage with his band.
Five-year-old Xander Tombillo, of Wesley Chapel, zooms down a giant, inflatable slide inside the Kids Zone area of the festival. The youngster was at the event with his parents Kate and Matt, who estimated Xander had gone down the slide at least 20 times already.
Proudly wearing the iconic Pigz in Z’Hills hat, James Messer, of Dade City, enjoys a cold brew while smiling at his wife, Erica, who was shopping at the vendor booths inside of the Business Expo area.

Pigz in Z’Hills to celebrate its 10th year

January 15, 2020 By Kevin Weiss

The largest event in Zephyrhills is gearing up for its 10th anniversary — with a few more fixins’.

The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce’s annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest is set for Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills.

Admission is free, but parking is $10.

The annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival returns on Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There also will be a special Friday night event, to celebrate the festival’s 10th anniversary. (File)

To kick off its 10th year, festivities have been added for a special Friday celebration on Jan. 17 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will include a steak cookoff and kid’s grilling competition sanctioned by the Steak Cookoff Association, as well as a second-day cornhole tournament, “People’s Choice” dessert contest, and a local band showcase featuring Hired Gun, The Groovediggers, Time Travelers, and Jase Randall Band.

“We just wanted Friday night to be a local celebration where people could come relax and have a good time,” said Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Executor Director Melonie Monson, who’s organizing Pigz in Z’Hills.

As usual, Saturday’s main event is the Florida BBQ Association-approved barbecue competition, with 60 competition teams, both professional and backyard, vying for top honors and trophies in four standard categories: chicken, pork, brisket and ribs. Professional teams have the added incentive of potentially winning $10,000 in prize money.

While attendees munch on barbecue, live blues music will be going all day long, with a lineup headlined by Sean Chambers, along with the Chris Walker Band, Chuck Riley’s All-Star Band, and Sauce Boss.

There will be plenty of other entertainment on hand, too.

A business expo also will be featured, and there’s the return of a two-team, double-elimination cornhole tournament with a chance to win a cash prize and a trophy.

Car enthusiasts are welcome to participate in the car show, or to simply check out the motorcycles and vehicles on display.

Visitors also can get a free tour of the Zephyrhills Military History Museum, and take a look at refurbished wartime planes and other unique memorabilia.

The barbecue festival is the largest event in Zephyrhills. Last year’s drew a record crowd of 13,500.

Youths can get in on the fun in the Kidz Zone, which will have face painting, arts and crafts, and games.

Last year’s festival marked its largest showing ever — with over 13,500 attendees. The figure represents how far the event has come in a decade, when it drew about 2,500 patrons in its first year back in 2011.

Monson feels the event’s success lies in the community involvement and the 200-plus volunteers who come together to help out, to ensure everyone has a good time.

The event also serves as a large fundraiser for scholarships, youth leadership programs and children’s charities.

The chamber director put it like this: “When people come, they have a positive experience, so they’re telling others. We have a real strong motto that we want everyone to be happy. We want everybody to feel like, ‘This is exactly what our town represents.’”

Over the years, Pigz in Z’Hills has distinguished itself to be a qualifier for three prestigious championship contests:  Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, Tennessee, long considered the Super Bowl of barbecue contests; American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City, the world’s largest and oldest barbecue contest; and, the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational in Orlando.

Many of the competitive teams coming to Zephyrhills are professionals who travel to barbecue events all over the United States.

Zephyrhills resident and business owner Randy Light, of Puroclean Cooking Team, outlined what all it takes to ensure a strong showing in the barbecue contest, during a recent Zephyrhills Chamber breakfast meeting.

He explained cooking teams begin prepping at least a week before the contest, deciding which types and cuts of meats to purchase, and testing out different sauces and seasonings.

Light noted the chicken category takes the longest to prep, compared to other meats, as there’s a lengthy process of trimming, weighing, brining, injecting and so on.

“Chicken’s one of the hardest things to do,” he said. “You don’t just take it out and grill it.”

Light added a lot of thought also goes into which types of barbecue sauce to use for each judge that will appeal to the competition’s 75 judges. Because some judges might prefer hot sauce, while other prefer sweet, he said his team tries to find a “happy medium sauce.”

Light acknowledged the entire process takes much time and effort, and he enjoys every bit of the experience.

“We have a lot of fun cooking for the community. It’s awesome,” Light said.

For more information, visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org, call (813) 782-1913, or visit the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Facebook Page.

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival
Where:
 Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
When: Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Cost: Free admission; $10 for parking
Details: Guests can enjoy smoked barbecued foods right off the grill, listen to blues bands, play cornhole, and check out car and aviation shows.
Info: Call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Published January 15, 2020

Thousands turn out for barbecue and blues

January 31, 2018 By B.C. Manion

The results are in, and the eighth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival drew a crowd of more than 12,000, according to festival organizers.

The event, held Jan. 20, at the festival venue at Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, featured blues music, award-winning barbecue, and vendors offering goods and services.

The Ed Wright Duo, The Doug South Band, The Legendary JCs, Chuck Riley’s All-Star Revue and Someday Honey Entertainers were the slate of entertainers lined up for the festival.

People settled in their lawn chairs to listen, or danced in front of the stage, as musicians entertained at the festival dedicated to blues and barbecue in Zephyrhills. (B.C. Manion)

People set up lawn chairs to listen, while others danced in front of the Florida Hospital Pavilion stage.

Dozens of professional and backyard barbecue teams competed for prizes and bragging rights.

Melonie Monson, executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, was enthusiastic about the event’s success.

“It is exciting to say this was our favorite BBQ yet; our team was amazing. We, at the chamber, are ecstatic with how everything came together,” Monson said, in a news release.

She noted having the event at the same facility for the second time made it easier to organize setting up the event, and offered a simpler layout for festival-goers to navigate.

She also expressed appreciation for the people who helped pull off the event. About 200 volunteers are involved each year.

“The teams this year were top notch, we had a variety of concessions who put out amazing food, the Kidz Zone was a huge hit, I heard rave reviews of the car show, and the bands were better than ever,” Monson said. “I talked to many who traveled far just to hear our bands,” she added.

As usual, the festival was built around a Florida BBQ Association-approved barbecue competition. More than 50 professional and backyard teams competed in the four standard categories of chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

Professional teams had the added incentive of potentially winning $10,000 in prizes.

In the professional barbecue division, Hot Wachulas of Bartow, under head cook Matt Barber, took top place overall winning $2,000, plus $700 in individual category awards, not to mention an unprecedented rare score of a full 200 points for Ribs.

Swamp Boys of Winter Haven, led by Rug Bagby, took second place winning $1,500 and $850 in individual category awards. Both won trophies as well.

Backyard division winners were 27 South BBQ of Babson Park, under Danny Sharpless, in first place, winning a trophy and $200, and Smokin’ Ain’t EZ of Valrico, taking second place under Sam Nowakowski, winning a trophy and $100.

Monson noted that two of the teams received a perfect 200 score on their individual entry, which she said, “I’m told never happens and is unprecedented. That makes me proud to know we gave them the right combination to help them excel.”

The festival was enhanced this year with a Rock Wall in the Kidz Zone, sponsored by Suncoast Credit Union.

The car show was run by veteran Ronnie Setser, and Roy Kesner of Riverview took “Best of the Best” in early models with a 1937 Ford 3 Window Coupe.

Other highlights included an aviation showcase, access to the Military History Museum, and a business expo, the news release said.

Barbecue competition results:
Professional Division
Overall Winners: Hot Wachulas, first place; Swamp Boys, second place; GetChewSumBBQ, third place

Chicken: Uncle Toad’s BBQ, first place; Backyard Bro’s, second place; Hot Wachulas, third place

Ribs: Hot Wachulas, first place; Swamp Boys, second place; Sweet Smoke Q, third place

Pork: Pig Chicka Cow Cow, first place; GetChewSum BBQ, second place; Going Yard BBQ, third place

Brisket: Swamp Boys, first place; Uncle Toad’s Competition BBQ, second place; Uncle Kenny’s BBQ, third place

Backyard Division
Overall Winners: 27 South BBQ, first place; Smokin’ Ain’t EZ, second place; Big Red BBQ, third place

Chicken: Big Red BBQ, first place; Smokin’ Ain’t EZ, second place; 27 South BBQ, third place

Ribs: 27 South BBQ, first place; Smokin’ Ain’t EZ, second place; Papa’s BBQ, third place

Pork: 27 South BBQ, first place; Smokin’ Bros, second place; Bahr’s Smokin Butts, third place

Brisket: Smokin’ Bros, first place; Big Red BBQ, second place; 27 South BBQ, third place

Published January 31, 2018

New digs for Pigz in Z’Hills this year

January 18, 2017 By Kevin Weiss

Buoyed by new festival grounds, the seventh annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest is aiming to become its most successful.

The shindig, now a well-attended staple in Zephyrhills, is set for Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, 39450 South Ave.

Admission is free, but parking is $10.

Presented by The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, Pigz in Z’Hills features both professional and amateur barbecue competitions, all sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association. This year, about 50 teams are expected to compete.

The barbecue contest has a total cash purse of $8,000. Winners will be declared in four standard categories: chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

Don Carlon, of Dan’s Dogs in New Port Richey, mixed barbecue sauce, veggies and sausages on a grill at last year’s Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. Approximately 50 teams are slated to participate in the event on Jan. 21. (File)

The contest also serves as a qualifier for four prestigious barbecue championship contests: The Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, Tennessee; the American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City, Missouri; the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational in Sanford; and, the World Food Championships in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Besides the sweet smell of barbecue wafting through the air, festival-goers can also enjoy a wide lineup of musical acts.

This year’s slate of performers includes: The Betty Fox Band, JP Soars & The Red Hots, The Chuck Riley Band, and Mama’s Batch. Live music is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Those with other interests can enjoy children’s activities, a car show, an aviation showcase, access to a military history museum and a business expo.

A key moment at the event is expected at 12:15 p.m. That’s when the National Anthem will be rendered while local skydiver David Strobel jumps in bearing the American flag.

Unlike the prior barbecue festivals, this year’s edition is set in a roomier venue with permanent staging.

Since 2013, the tract of land the chamber had been using at the airport was about 2.5 acres. The new venue spans 14 acres.

Amenities include a 20-by-40 stage, and 50 spaces equipped with water and electric.

The expanded area, too, comfortably accommodates up to 15,000 guests at a time, and will provide easy access and parking along South Avenue.

All of the venue space will be used, officials say.

“It’s going to be huge compared to what we’ve had in the past, and it’s going to be more family friendly,” said Melonie Monson, executive director for The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Ultimately, the new venue is expected to help the one-day fest run smoother by creating an improved layout for musicians, vendors and attendees.

Additionally, the new venue helps reduce expenses, including the annual costs to rent a stage and generators, which organizers say have totaled nearly $10,000 in the past.

“Having a permanent venue will allow our event to grow as we see fit, along with helping make planning and set up much easier on the barbecue committee and staff,” Monson said.

Since its inception in 2010, Pigz in Z’Hills has proven to be a financial boon for the community.

Chamber officials say the event has created an economic impact of more than $1.5 million for Zephyrhills.

Of the nearly 30,000 total attendees the past six years, officials estimate that more than half have come from outside the region and state.

Last year’s event, though, saw a sizable decrease in turnout from the prior year.

There were about 7,000 showgoers in 2016, down from nearly 10,000 in 2015.

Still, the chamber reached its revenue goals, and was able to donate $15,000 back to the Zephyrhills community; several local youth and education programs were beneficiaries.

Going forward, the chamber director expects the event to run even more efficiently once organizers determine the most ideal layout for the new festival grounds.

“Obviously, this year, everything’s new. You never know what you’re going to get and you see that something might need to be changed…because of this new venue and the layout,” Monson explained.

“After this year, it’s going to be a lot easier,” she said.

Organizers suggest bringing lawn chairs because of limited seating. No coolers or pets are allowed.

For more information, visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org, or call (813) 782-1913.

Seventh annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues
When: Jan. 21, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, 39450 South Ave., Zephyrhills
How much: Admission is free; parking is $10
What: Barbecue teams compete for prizes, blues bands perform, and event-goers can purchase barbecued foods, and check out monster trucks, aircraft displays, other attractions and activities.

Published January 18, 2017

Preparing to pig out in Zephyrhills 

January 13, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The 6th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever.

The festival, presented by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled for Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, at 39450 South Ave., in Zephyrhills.

Admission is free, but parking is $10.

One way to reduce the mess of eating ribs is to enjoy them on a stick. These are some of the ribs that were ready to be sold at the Pig In or Pig Out BBQ booth during last year’s festival. (File Photos)
One way to reduce the mess of eating ribs is to enjoy them on a stick. These are some of the ribs that were ready to be sold at the Pig In or Pig Out BBQ booth during last year’s festival.
(File Photos)

The event features both professional and amateur barbecue competitions, and is sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association.

There will be approximately 50 barbecue teams, 70 judges and a total of 60 vendors, concessionaires and exhibitors at the festival.

“I just think this event is probably the best thing we have in the area,” said Kevin Bahr, amateur barbecue competitor and owner of Bahr’s Propane Gas & A/C. “It’s huge in Z-Hills (Zephyrhills). It’s one of, if not the leading fundraiser here. It helps out so many things in the community and as a business owner, it’s really nice to be involved with it.”

The barbecue competition has a total cash purse of $8,000 and will have winners in four standard categories: chicken, pork, brisket, and ribs.

The festival is also a qualifier for three prestigious barbecue championship contests: the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, Tennessee; the American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City, Missouri; and the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational in Sanford.

Bahr said being involved as an amateur competitor is “like nothing else.”

“It’s one of the most fun events that you can do, if you’re cooking,” he remarked.

Probably the toughest part of a barbecue cooking contest is waiting for the judges to render their verdict of whose barbecue is best. Dan Haynie of Zephyrhills sat on the edge of his smoker and waited for the judges' decision for the Tri-S BarBQ entries in the backyard division during last year’s Pigz in Z’ Hills BBQ and Blues Festival.
Probably the toughest part of a barbecue cooking contest is waiting for the judges to render their verdict of whose barbecue is best. Dan Haynie of Zephyrhills sat on the edge of his smoker and waited for the judges’ decision for the Tri-S BarBQ entries in the backyard division during last year’s Pigz in Z’ Hills BBQ and Blues Festival.

According to Bahr, what makes the festival even more exciting is the entire process of barbecuing with friends and getting food prepped in advance of the competition.

“Cooking in competition is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do in my life,” he said. “You sit there, and you’ve got to get a specific kind of meat from a specific place. …Then you’re up all night long with smoke blowing in your face worrying about the temperatures and the basting, especially for the chicken.

“It’s very humbling, and it’s incredibly rewarding,” Bahr said.

The event has grown dramatically since it was introduced six years ago and attracted between 2,000 and 3,000 people. Now, it has reached the point where 10,000 people are expected to attend, and more amateur barbecue teams are signing up each year.

“When we started this, we had no idea what it was going to do,” said Bahr, whose business is one of the sponsors of the event. “The first year, I thought, ‘All right, maybe we’ll have a few teams.’ And all of a sudden, it’s just overwhelming how many people came and what happened with getting it sanctioned.”

Tim Linville, president of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, said changing the event from its original date in October to its current date in January and relocating it in 2013 from Krusen Field in Zephyrhills to its current site at the airport also has helped the festival expand.

The hope is to make the airport a permanent venue for ‘Pigz in Z’ Hills’ and several other events, he said.

Jason Mistretta of San Antonio, Florida, prepared chicken for those stopping by his booth. Mistretta was ready to serve 400 dinners last year
Jason Mistretta of San Antonio, Florida, prepared chicken for those stopping by his booth. Mistretta was ready to serve 400 dinners last year

“If we get a permanent venue at the airport, then we’ll have a place for nonprofit organizations to have different events,” Linville said. They would have a stage and power and water, and we’ll have more room for expansion.”

The event’s attraction also is buoyed by the varied musical choices brought in each year.

This year’s slate of performers includes Coldiron, Wendy Rich & The Soulshakers, the R.J. Howson Band, and Damon Fowler. Live music will be presented from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.

“We’re always trying to upgrade our bands, because that’s a key part, and also we have different barbecue people every year,” Linville said. “The two things that bring in people from outside the area is one, it’s a sanctioned barbecue, and the other thing is we have lot of blues bands that have a following themselves.”

In addition to a smorgasbord of food options and musical performers, there will be a family fun zone with games, a car show, aviation displays, helicopter rides and amusement park attractions.

In addition to providing more exposure for Zephyrhills, the festival also aims to benefit several local youth and education programs.

The event’s success has paved the way for many donations to scholarships, youth leadership programs and children’s charities.

“I think we’re very fortunate to have a community that volunteers so many thousands of hours to put this event on,” said Rod Mayhew, chamber director.

“Without the community and these hours they put in, we would never be successful,” Mayhew said.

Sixth annual Pigz in Z’ Hills BBQ & Blues
When:
Jan. 16, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, 39450 South Ave., Zephyrhills
How much: Admission is free; parking is $10
What: Barbecue teams compete for prizes, blues bands perform, and event-goers can purchase barbecued foods and check out monster trucks, aircraft displays, and other attractions and activities.

January 13, 2016

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest draws record crowd

January 29, 2015 By B.C. Manion

About 8,000 people attended the fifth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest, breaking another record for the event founded in 2010 by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Besides attracting thousands to enjoy the barbecue and bands, the event on Jan. 17 at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, also lured 51 teams to compete to see who makes the best barbecue. Thirty-nine teams competed at the professional level, and there were 12 backyard barbecue teams, according to a news release issued by the chamber.

With limited room for dancing, Cindy Crismon of Zephyrhills, center, managed to strut her stuff in the crowd while jamming to the music of The Lauren Mitchell Band. This was her first Pigz In Z'Hills BBQ & Blues Fest. She is a winter resident from Lake Orion, Michigan. (Fred Bellet/Photo)
With limited room for dancing, Cindy Crismon of Zephyrhills, center, managed to strut her stuff in the crowd while jamming to the music of The Lauren Mitchell Band. This was her first Pigz In Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest. She is a winter resident from Lake Orion, Michigan.
(Fred Bellet/Photo)

Figures have not been tallied, but organizers estimate the event exceeded last year’s proceeds of $30,000.

The money raised benefits local youth and education programs and community services of the Chamber of Commerce.

A crew of more than 100 volunteers pitched in to make the event a success. Many worked the entire week, some arriving at dawn and staying past sunset, to get things ready for the festival and to take it down and clean up the grounds.

“Beyond even our own optimistic projections, Pigz in Z’Hills belongs to Zephyrhills,” Vonnie Mikkelsen, executive director of the chamber, said in an email.

“I’m thrilled by the positive outcome and so very happy for the volunteers, the participants and the community who came together to make it happen,” she said.

There were thousands who arrived by car, and at least 26 private aircraft took advantage of the airport’s “Fly-in” option.

Besides enjoying barbecued foods of many styles, spectators had the chance to listen to music performed by TC Carr & Bolts of Blue, The Lauren Mitchell Band, Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones and Cold Iron.

The event venue was larger this year, too, to make room for increased demand for kids’ activities, vendors, a classic car show, and aviation and military history displays.

The Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ competition is sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association and is a qualifier for three prestigious championship contests: the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg – considered the Superbowl of BBQ contests; American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City – the world’s largest and oldest contest; and the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational – the FBA’s newest contest.

Wink’s Barbecue led by Wink Yelverton of Fort Walton Beach, FL won Grand Champion Professional Division qualifying his team for all three prestigious contests. Peter Golob of Extra Mile BBQ from Loveland, Ohio took Reserve Champion. In the Backyard Division, Bettern Store Bot, Dave Grantham of Bushnell won Grand Champion while Bamboo Warrior, head cook Curley McKenzie of Thonotosassa took Reserve Champion.

Pigz In Z’Hills BBQ & Blues benefits local youth and education programs and community services of the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information, visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org, call (813) 782-1913, or visit the chamber’s Facebook Page.

Published January 28, 2015

Holy Smoke! Blues, Barbecue in Zephyrhills

January 15, 2015 By Michael Murillo

The holidays are associated with great family, great friends and great food. In fact, sometimes the food is the best part: Turkey, ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie and other dishes all make a welcomed appearance.

It’s all great, but something is missing. Where are the ribs? The chicken? The pulled pork? The sweet, tangy sauce that gets on your fingers? The baked beans and corn on the cob? The smoke from the grill that makes your mouth water?

Where’s the barbecue?

There will be plenty of vendors, but people will still line up for their favorites. (File Photo)
There will be plenty of vendors, but people will still line up for their favorites.
(File Photo)

You probably didn’t find it at the holiday dinner table, but you can make up for lost time on Jan. 17. That’s when the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce will host the Fifth Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Fest at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, 39450 South Ave.

As the name implies, it’s a barbecue-themed event. Vendors offering a variety of meats and platters will be on hand, offering their own take on chicken, pork and other traditional courses. It’s all barbecue, but each one is a little different. The sauces, spices and sides make each one unique and worth trying. Whatever type of barbecue you prefer, you’re likely to find someone serving it hot.

They’re competing for prizes, too. Thousands of dollars’ worth. This is the Florida State Championship sanctioned by the Florida BBQ Association. Did you even know there was a Florida BBQ Association? I didn’t, but I think I want to join it. Maybe they need taste-testers.

Anyway, the competitors are putting their best foot forward (or rib forward, I suppose) to create a variety of great tastes. You might not be an official judge, but you can pick your own winners from the competing vendors.

Now, you might have noticed that there’s more than barbecue happening in the name. It’s a blues fest as well, and music is a big part of the event. Cold Iron, Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones, The Lauren Mitchell Band and TC Carr & Bolts of Blue will all be performing. Just bring a lawn chair (no coolers or pets), find a nice spot and enjoy the show.

Rows of business vendors will be there, too, providing information about different services and offering some giveaways as well. If you’re the kind of person who goes through a lot of pens, I definitely recommend visiting this area. I can say from experience that this is a good way replenish your supply and support some local businesses at the same time. I know you’re not going there for pens, but this is “On the Cheap,” after all.

But wait; there’s more. Aircraft displays, a car and motorcycle show and the WWII Museum of Military History all add to the entertainment. There’s even a special area for children. There’s so much to do, I’m willing to make a pretty bold claim: You could be a vegetarian and still have a good time here. Even without the food there’s hours of fun and music to enjoy.

And, of course, it’s cheap. Admission to Pigs in Z’Hills is free. It costs $10 to park, but if you bring friends or family in one car, it’s a good deal. You do have to pay for food, beer and other drinks, of course. So your appetite might make this cheap event not so cheap. But I can’t advise you to skip the food, because it’s really good. So maybe eat breakfast first, so you can sample the best of the barbecue without eating your way around the airport. And you might be tempted. Like I said, the food is really good.

Pigs in Z’Hills runs from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. For more information, call (813) 782-1913 or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Schedule of events:
10 a.m. Pigz in Z’Hills opens (free admission, $10 to park)
10:30 a.m. Cold Iron performs
12:15 p.m. Jewel Tones performs
2 p.m. Lauren Mitchell Band performs
3:45 p.m. TC Carr and Bolts of Blue performs
6 p.m. event endsTwo Kidz Zones, concession vendors, business expo and military aircraft displays will be open throughout the day.

Published January 14, 2015

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