RALEIGH — Raleigh 500 held the Ninth Annual Carolina Masonic Pig Jig here on May 17 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. It was celebrated in conjunction with Got to Be NC AgFest, our state’s off-season state fair. The Pig Jig has thousands of visitors each year and crowns the best Masonic team in several divisions of grilled and smoked delight. The Masonic Home for Children in Oxford and Central Children’s Home in Oxford will each get about $5,000 from the money made by the Pig Jig.
At the Pig Jig, thousands ate and voted for their favorites. A team of appointed and professional judges picked the best results in several divisions. Nearly 30 teams entered the competition.
Many will tell you that the most valuable aspect about a fundraiser is the joy of working and associating with the others working on the event. Few other fundraisers are a better example of that principle than the Carolina Masonic Pig Jig. On Friday night while preparing to cook, men from all over enjoy spending time with their own team, but more especially with other men and new friends. It’s the time before the competition begins, before the public arrives to sample and savor the food. Participants enjoy entertaining people who drop by from other states or towns. They enjoy sharing food and tips on food preparation. They enjoy playing cards and exchanging jokes. They enjoy introducing new friends to old friends. They stay up too late and smell of hickory smoke. They have a big, all-night party, compete for bragging rights for the best barbecue in the state, and get to go home knowing that they also raised $10,000 to help protect and nurture kids.
The Grand Champion title went to Team Branch Water 000 (AKA Riverside 606). Rhamkatte 827 (PHA) took the People’s Choice Award.
Other award winners were:
Grand Champion
First Runner-Up Widow’s Son 4 (PHA)
Second Runner-Up A. S. Hunter 825 (PHA)
Third Runner-Up Spurmont 98 (Strasburg, Virginia)
Fourth Runner-Up Raleigh 500
Pork
First Widow’s Son 4 (PHA)
Second Rolesville 683
Third Spurmont 98 (Strasburg, Virginia)
Chicken
First Raleigh 500
Second Greenville 284
Third Branch Water 000 (AKA Riverside 606)
Sauce
First Doric 30 (Millville, Delaware)
Second Orphans 761
Third Branch Water 000 (AKA Riverside 606)
Team Spirit
Stony Point 593
The Masonic Pig Jig returns to Got to Be NC AgFest next year. We’ll bring you details right here. Don’t miss the fun or the opportunity to make a little money for your lodge.