FAIR BLUFF — One of Columbus County’s most beloved spring traditions fires up again this weekend as the 15th Annual BBQ on the Bluff takes over Riverside Drive in Fair Bluff on April 24–25. Hosted by the Fair Bluff Chamber of Commerce, the two‑day festival brings together pitmasters, vendors, live music, and plenty of hometown flavor.
The highlight of the event is the Whole Hog BBQ Competition, where cooks from across North and South Carolina will compete through the night for top honors. This year’s prizes include $500 for first place, $300 for second, and $150 for third, along with trophies for each winner. Showmanship judging takes place Friday evening, giving teams a chance to show off their creativity before the cooking begins.
Friday Night Kickoff
Festivities begin Friday, April 24, with:
- Cake judging at 3 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, followed by cake sales
- Two Terry’s Coffee Company serving drinks from 5–9 p.m.
- Showmanship judging at 7 p.m.
- Cookers meeting at 8 p.m. at the Visitors Center
- Pig Parade at 8:30 p.m., when whole hogs are delivered to pitmasters for overnight cooking
Teams will tend their pits through the night as the aroma of slow‑cooked barbecue fills the riverfront.
Saturday: Judging, Vendors, and Live Music
Saturday’s schedule begins early, with BBQ judging at 8 a.m. Judges will score each hog, tally votes, and announce winners during the 10 a.m. awards ceremony on the Riverside Drive stage.
More than a dozen activities and attractions follow:
- Vendors of all kinds open at 8 a.m. and remain throughout the day
- BBQ and cake sales at the Masonic Lodge
- Live music from The Cover Society Band, performing from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Family‑friendly browsing, food, and community fellowship along the riverfront
The event is free to attend, and vendor participation is also free.
A Community Tradition
Organizers say BBQ on the Bluff has grown into a signature event for Fair Bluff, drawing visitors from across the region and giving local cooks a chance to showcase their craft. The festival also serves as a fundraiser for community projects and civic groups.
Anyone with questions or interested in competing or vending can contact Gene at 910‑649‑7202 or 910‑649‑7871, or email fairbluffnc@rsnet.com.
BBQ on the Bluff takes place along Riverside Drive in Fair Bluff, overlooking the Lumber River.
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