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Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival

Festival offers fun for kids, and adults, too

March 15, 2022 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The 12th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival had a new feature this year: Friday night festivities.

Lamar Marshall, of Lakeland, pit master for the Smoke Shack BBQ team prepares ribs and sausage to feed hungry patrons at the festival. (Fred Bellet)

Activities at the festival included a Kidz Grillin’ competition for fun and a more serious contest among adult pit masters, competing in the Florida Barbecue State Championship.

The event was held on the evening of March 4 and during the day on March 5.

Both days featured a chance to enjoy some succulent barbecue, to listen to blues music, to do some shopping, and to just hang out.

The Friday night activities were a big hit, said Melonie Monson, executive director of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

The Kidz Grillin’ contest drew 25 contestants, who were split into five teams.

“They (the kids) had the time of their lives. We had five of our pit masters that mentored them,” Monson said.

“And, it was just fun for the parents, the siblings, the staff — everybody had a great time on Friday night with that,” she said.

It was all about the ribs for Gary White, of Dade City, as he chows down, under the dining tent, at the 2022 Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. As he enjoyed his ribs, his wife, Lana White, sat nearby.

The bands draw a big crowd, too, she said.

The Friday festivities were “a real positive thing and probably something that we’ll continue doing,” Monson said.

The turnout the next day, however, was less than organizers had hoped for, Monson said. She noted the event was competing with the Florida Strawberry Festival, the boat show, the seafood festival and other events that day.

Still, Monson remained upbeat.

“We had a great day. The weather was beautiful,” she said.

She also said this year’s festival had some of the best bands that have played in the event’s history.

“They were just amazing,” Monson said.

Overall, the chamber executive said, “everybody seemed to have a great time. Our vendors did really well.”

Published March 13, 2022

Ed Wright opened the entertainment the morning of March 5, with his brand of blues at the 12th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. Performing from the AdventHealth Zephyrhills stage, other entertainers included Jimmy Griswold, The Kid Royal Band and Memphis Lightning.
Patrons patiently waited in line to pick up some ribs, chicken and sausage from the ‘Off the Bone’ vendor’s tent. The grilling crew was one of many vendors serving up barbecue during the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. The tent is adorned with flags from some of the team’s past BBQ competition wins.
Lovey, a 5-pound Toy Poodle, may be overwhelmed by the aroma of barbecue, but can simply look on while being carried in Vonna Carmickle’s purse. The Poinciana woman said it was their second visit to Pigz in Z’Hills.
Patrons patiently waited in line to pick up some ribs, chicken and sausage from the ‘Off the Bone’ vendor’s tent. The grilling crew was one of many vendors serving up barbecue during the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. The tent is adorned with flags from some of the team’s past BBQ competition wins.
Shawn Smith, right, of Land O’ Lakes, and his opponent Drake Denny, of Brandon, take turns testing their skills during the Corn Hole Tournament.
Scotty Claus, of Zephyrhills, usually stays busy around Christmastime. But the Santa look-alike was asked to help judge the Kidz Grillin’ contest. Before judging began, Claus said he would look for good taste, good presentation and tender meat.

Festival features blues music, sizzling grills — and fun

February 22, 2022 By B.C. Manion

While most of the people turning out to the 12th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival will be focused on having fun — some will be in a more competitive mode.

That’s because this year’s festival — to be held March 4 and March 5 at 5200 Airport Road — also is the venue for Florida’s barbecue championship.

“We were named the Florida Barbecue State Championship, so we’re going to have competitors from all over the state coming, trying to win the state championship, so that’s exciting,” said Melonie Monson, executive director of the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re expecting about 60 teams to compete this year,” Monson said.

The 12th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival in Zephyrhills will give teams from the state a chance to show off their grilling skills during Florida’s championship barbecue contest. (File)

Kids also will be testing their skills in the Kidz Grillin’ contest on March 4, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

“We have kids from 4 to 17 competing and we got donations for 25 kids to be able to compete for free,” she said.

There will five teams and they’ll be mentored by five local pit masters.

“They’ll be cooking pork and competing for trophies and they’re going to have goody bags. It’s just going to be a fun night for kids to come,” Monson said.

Cornhole enthusiasts will have a chance to prove their prowess on the evening of March 4 and the afternoon of March 5.

The cornhole tournament on March 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., is open to all. Teams of two will compete for bragging rights and $500 in prizes. The cost is $20 per team.

On March 5, there are cornhole competitions in two divisions.

The Well-Seasoned division will begin at noon, with an entry fee of $40 for two-person teams. Contestants will vie for $1,000 in payouts.

The Still-Marinating competition begins at 2 p.m., with two-person teams paying an entry fee of $20. Trophies will be awarded for the top three teams.

Monson encourages festival-goers to try their hand at the game.

“It’s inexpensive to compete and it’s fun,” she said.

Others may prefer to sit back, relax and listen to the tunes — and the festival features bands on both days.

Two bands are set to take the stage on March 4, with Sandspurs, beginning at 6 p.m.; and, Chuck Riley’s All Stars, at 7:15 p.m.

On March 5, Ed Wright will perform at 11 a.m.; Jimmy Griswold, at 12:45 p.m.; The Kid Royal Band, at 2:30 p.m.; and Memphis Lightning, at 4:15 p.m.

Other options for festival-goers are a bike and car show, a military museum, a kids zone and a business expo.

Vendors will be offering beer, barbecue, and an array of food and drink choices.

The festival, which relies heavily on sponsors and volunteers, is still seeking additional helpers, Monson said. Those wishing to pitch in can email the chamber office to volunteer.

The chamber will reach back with assignments, Monson said.

Admission to the festival is $5 per person, except for those 42 inches or shorter, and parking is free.

Fly-ins are welcome, but coolers and pets are not, and be sure to bring a lawn chair or a blanket.

Proceeds support local youth and education programs.

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

12th annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival
When:
March 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; March 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
Cost: $5 admission (kids under 42 inches are free), free parking

Volunteers still needed
Organizers for the 12th annual Pigz in Z’Hlls BBQ and Blues Festival are still looking for volunteers to help out at the festival. If you’d like to volunteer, you can get additional information by emailing .

Published February 23, 2022

The results are in from this year’s Pigz in Z’Hills

February 12, 2020 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

Besides being a place where the community can gather to listen to music, enjoy some barbecue and have a good time — the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival also draws serious contenders for its barbecue competition.

Debbi Newman, of Lutz, balances several food containers, as her mother, Della, of Marshall, Missouri, looks on. The ladies purchased several food items, such as barbeque pulled pork and chicken, and sides like corn on the cob to enjoy from different vendors. (File)

This year’s 10th annual festival, which drew about 11,000 people, on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18, was no exception, according to a news release from The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce.

Fifty-six teams — including professional and backyard competitors — vied for top honors and trophies in four standard categories of chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

Over the years, the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival has distinguished itself to be a qualifier for four prestigious championship contests: the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational in Lynchburg, Tennessee; the American Royal World Series of BBQ in Kansas City; the Sonny’s Smokin’ Showdown Invitational of Sanford; and, the World Food Championships in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Besides bragging rights, professional teams competed at the event for $10,000 in prize money.

These are the overall results:

Professionals

  • GitChewSum BBQ, of Venice, under head cook Allen Ponerleau: first place, winning $2,000 overall, plus $1,475 in individual category awards
  • Pig Chicka Cow Cow, of Apopka, led by Lee Thompson: second place, winning $1,500 and $500 in individual category awards

Both professional teams won trophies, too.

Backyard teams

  • Quid Pro Q, of Tampa, under Josh Zudar: first place, winning a trophy and $200
  • Smoke Meat Everyday, of Rockledge: second place under Chris Yarborough, winning a trophy and $100

Because it was the festival’s 10th anniversary, there were some new contests added on the evening of Jan. 17.

A Steak Cookoff and Kidz Grillin’ Competition sanctioned by the SCA (Steak Cookoff Association) was sponsored by Bahr’s Propane Gas & AC.

There also was a second Cornhole Tournament, sponsored by Tampa Bay Cornhole Association, with a $500 purse.

Melanie Monson, executive director of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce, shared some thoughts about the events in the chamber’s news release.

“We had a great time on Friday night with our new competitions. The Kidz Grillin’ Competition was a huge hit,” Monson said. “Local 7-year-old Aspen Bahr won the Kidz Grillin’ Competition by cooking a killer pork chop and was the youngest competitor. She was celebrated with hugs and cheers by her family and friends, and beamed receiving her trophy and medal. It is wonderful to see the impact Pigz has on our community,” Monson said, in the release.

“As always, our Pigz committee did a bang-up job organizing this event, and our 200 volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day to make everything go smoothly,” concluded Monson.

She also expressed gratitude for the event’s sponsors.

Published February 12, 2020

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’Hlls attracts record crowd

February 13, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

The ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival attracted more than 13,000 people, according to event organizers.

Smoke emanates from the grill, as Edwin Alvarez, of Kissimmee, prepares chicken on a stick, which is called Pincho. Alvarez and his boss, Luis Merced, of Largo, prepared food for patrons at the barbecue festival. (File)

Event-goers headed to the festival venue, at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport, to enjoy a day of live performances by blues musicians and other bands, and to enjoy barbecue chicken, pork, brisket, ribs and foods offered by other vendors.

Fifty-three teams competed in the professional and backyard categories, with the professional teams having a chance of winning $10,000 in prizes.

Backyard Bro’s took the grand champion honors, while Pig Chika Cow Cow, was the reserve champion.

The backyard division winners were: LaFamigilia BBQ, grand champion; Quid Pro Q, reserve champion; and Bahr’s Smokin’ Butts, third place.

There were also 42 teams, of two people each, that vied for $500 in prize money  in the event’s inaugural cornhole competition.

Efforts have already begun to prepare for next year’s event, slated for Jan. 18, 2020.

Published February 13, 2019

Festival offers heaping helpings of barbecue and blues

January 23, 2019 By Special to The Laker/Lutz News

People of all ages headed to the ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival to sample some ribs, barbecue chicken or pulled pork — and get their fill of the blues.

Smoke emanates from the grill, as Edwin Alvarez, of Kissimmee, prepares chicken on a stick, which is called Pincho. Alvarez and his boss, Luis Merced, of Largo, were preparing food for patrons at the barbecue festival. (Fred Bellet)

The scent of barbecue filled the air, Benny the Pig made the rounds and people sported pig hats — as they strolled around the Zephyrhills Community Venue, at 5200 Airport Road.

Some barbecue chefs traveled from far-off places to take part in a competition involving about 60 teams who vied for bragging rights and prizes, and a chance to advance to the World Food Championship.

Besides being able to enjoy barbecue, event-goers could check out items being offered by various vendors and could listen to blues musicians.

There was a car show and an aviation show, too.

Proceeds benefit community organizations, such as the YMCA, and for scholarships for Zephyrhills High School students.

First-timers at the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival, left, Coral Etshman, of Tampa, gives friend Reggie Bowers, of Tampa, a taste of pulled pork.
The Ellie Lee Band was among the lineup of bands performing at the ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. Other bands playing were the Dave Shepard Band, Chuck Riley’s All Stars, The Bird Tribe and headliner Damon Fowler.
Jerry Newell, of Zephyrhills, had his own pig hat, which he wore to the festival.

 

Zephyrhills gets ready for Pigz in Z’Hills

January 16, 2019 By Brian Fernandes

The ninth annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival is set for Jan. 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, in Zephyrhills.

About 60 teams are expected to vie for bragging rights and prizes during the barbecue competition at the event.

Ed Wright, left, and Chuck Riley, of the Ed Wright Duo, were the opening act at last year’s Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival. Riley is set to liven the stage this year with his All-Stars band. (File)

The cooking showdown will determine who advances to the World Food Championship, with competitors testing their skills in preparing smoked chicken, pork, brisket and ribs.

In addition to enjoying barbecue foods, those attending can check out the offerings of various goods and craft vendors, and listen to blues performances throughout the day.

The musical lineup includes the Bird Tribe, the Ellie Lee Band, Chuck Riley’s All-Stars and the Dave Shepard Band.

A business expo also will be featured, and there’s a 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 take a look at refurbished planes, and there’s a free tour of the Military History Museum.

Youths can have some fun, too, in the Kidz Zone, which will offer bounce houses and a climbing wall, and the chance to build birdhouses, or have their faces painted.

Proceeds benefit community organizations, such as the YMCA, and for scholarships for Zephyrhills High School students.

Admission is free and parking is $10.

No coolers or pets are allowed, but guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

For more information or to register for the barbecue competition, call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival
Where: Zephyrhills Community Venue, 5200 Airport Road, Zephyrhills
When: Jan. 19 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, and check out a car show and aviation show.
Info: Call (813) 782-1913, or visit ZephyrhillsChamber.org.

Published January 16, 2019

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

Paulie Palooza rocks out at new venue

March 15, 2017 By B.C. Manion

When people gather this year to check out the music at the fifth annual Paulie Palooza, they’ll be arriving at a new event venue.

This year, the bands will be performing at the Zephyrhills Community Event Venue, at 5200 Airport Road.

Paulie Palooza will be playing at a new venue this year. The event is scheduled for March 18 at the Zephyrhills Community Event Venue. It will feature live bands, vendors, a silent auction and more. Proceeds benefit Gulfside Hospice.
(Courtesy of Gulfside Hospice)

The bands will start playing March 18 at 10 a.m., and performances will continue throughout the day, until 5 p.m.

The musical lineup includes:

  • Cold Iron
  • The Dade City Connection
  • David Teague
  • Backwaters Own
  • The Jase Randall Band
  • Ralph’s RV
  • White RV

But, there’s more than music at Paulie Palooza. The event also features local vendors, silent auctions, a car show, food and drawings, said Kirsty Churchill, of Gulfside Hospice.

The cost for admission is $5, and those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.

Event proceeds support hospice patient care in Pasco County through Gulfside Hospice.

The event all began with Paul Correia’s desire to do something for Gulfside Hospice, which provided care for his father as he was approaching his death.

It started out as a birthday party, which has turned into an annual fundraiser, Churchill said.

Gulfside Hospice appreciates Correia’s work and generosity, Churchill said.

Paul Correia launched Paulie Palooza to raise money for Gulfside Hospice, who provided care to Correia’s father before his death. Since its inception in 2012, Paulie Palooza has raised more than $20,000 to support Gulfside Hospice.

Every penny helps, she said, noting that no patient is ever turned away from Gulfside Hospice because of an inability to pay.

Churchill said it’s not known yet how the new venue will affect attendance, but the venue is large — enabling the event to have more options for things to do for event-goers.

When the venue was used this year for the first time for the Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival, it drew an estimated 11,000 — the festival’s largest crowd ever.

The 14-acre site has a 20-by-40-foot stage and enough stalls, equipped with water and electricity, to accommodate 48 vendors.

Gulfside Hospice serves patients living in Pasco County who are facing end-of-life illnesses.

The interdisciplinary care team provides medical care focusing on symptom management and pain control. It also offers emotional and spiritual care from social workers, chaplains and volunteers.

For more information about Gulfside Hospice, call (800) 561-4883, or visit GHPPC.org.

Paulie Palooza
Where:
Zephyrhills Community Event Venue, at 5200 Airport Road
When: March 18, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: $5 admission, free parking; proceeds go to Gulfside Hospice
Details: Live music, local vendors, car show, food and more
Info: To find out more, contact Ashley Thibedeau, special events coordinator, at (727) 845-5707 or , or visit Facebook.com/GHPPC.

Published March 15, 2017

New venue being built for Zephyrhills events

August 24, 2016 By Kevin Weiss

The popular Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival, along with several nonprofit organizations, will finally have a permanent event venue at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport.

A groundbreaking ceremony on Aug. 15 marked the beginning of construction for a 14-acre community venue site, at 5040 Airport Road.

Once complete, the site will include a 20-by-40 stage and 50 vendor spaces equipped with water and electricity, along with additional space for free-standing vendors, business expos and children’s activities.

Several Zephyrhills community leaders were on hand for the Aug. 15 groundbreaking ceremony for the new community event venue at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. From left: Tim Linville, president of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce; Danny Burgess, state representative; Randy Surber, CEO of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills; Melonie Monson, executive director of the Zephyrhills chamber; Steve Spina, city manager for the City of Zephyrhills; and, Gene Whitfield, mayor of Zephyrhills. (Kevin Weiss/Staff Photos)
Several Zephyrhills community leaders were on hand for the Aug. 15 groundbreaking ceremony for the new community event venue at the Zephyrhills Municipal Airport. From left: Tim Linville, president of The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce; Danny Burgess, state representative; Randy Surber, CEO of Florida Hospital Zephyrhills; Melonie Monson, executive director of the Zephyrhills chamber; Steve Spina, city manager for the City of Zephyrhills; and, Gene Whitfield, mayor of Zephyrhills.
(Kevin Weiss/Staff Photo)

The venue is situated north of the Zephyrhills’ City Yard, stretching to Airport Road and backing up the southern boundary of the Lincoln Heights subdivision.

Its location will be able to accommodate up to 15,000 guests at a time, and will provide easy access and parking along South Avenue.

The $60,000 venue, owned and operated by the city of Zephyrhills, is expected to be complete in time for the seventh annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival set for Jan. 21.

Nearly a year ago, The Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce proposed the concept for a local festival grounds after the organization determined a larger site was needed to house Pigz in Z’Hills.

The tract of land the chamber had been using for the festival was about 2.5 acres.

“We kind of got to a point where we grew so much, that it was really impossible to every year set up a whole venue,” Melonie Monson, chamber director, said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “This is going to make it (possible) to grow where we want to grow…and it won’t take all week of putting stuff together.”

Officials say the permanent venue will help the annual shindig run smoother, creating a better layout for musicians, vendors and attendees.

Moreover, the permanent site will help cut down on variable expenses, including the annual costs to rent a stage and generators, which officials say can total nearly $10,000.

“The only way for this event to go forward was to find a permanent venue,” Monson said.

The annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival typically draws around 9,000 people. Ground was broken last week on a new permanent venue that will be able to accommodate up to 15,000 guests at a time, and will provide easy access and parking along South Avenue. (File Photo)
The annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival typically draws around 9,000 people. Ground was broken last week on a new permanent venue that will be able to accommodate up to 15,000 guests at a time, and will provide easy access and parking along South Avenue.
(File Photo)

Chamber officials say Pigz in Z’Hills has created an economic impact of more than $1.3 million for Zephyrhills. Out of the 30,000 total attendees the past six years, more than half have come from outside the region and state.

“Somewhere in the last few years, Pigz in Z’Hills stopped just belonging to the chamber and now belongs to the community,” Monson said. “With that, this new building will reaffirm the strength of the partnership that we have with the city and community.”

In addition to the chamber, several organizations have expressed interest in using the event site, including the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills, Thomas Promise Foundation, Ride for Hospice and Paulie Palooza.

Once in operation, nonprofit organizations wanting to use the venue will pay a fee to cover the cost of site maintenance and staffing, which will be performed by the city.

“This is truly a community effort,” said Bob Winters, of the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills. “It’s an outstanding opportunity for the nonprofits of Zephyrhills to make a showing, and kick money back into the community.”

Zephyrhills Mayor Gene Whitfield said the venue will be used “for generations to come.

“We’re going to enjoy this venue today and the days ahead, but it’s something for our children and grandchildren,” Whitfield said. “We’re always about trying to do things for our community and our citizens, always with an eye on the future.”

Events are expected to be limited to daytime festivals in order to prevent stage noise in the residential area behind the venue, although the stage will be designed to direct music towards the airport.

The new venue also paves the way for the return of the Celtic Festival and Highland Games to Zephyrhills; the festival’s immense popularity forced it to vacate its venue at Zephyr Park in 2011.

Published August 24, 2016

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