Drizzle doesn’t faze crowd at Cave Spring’s Pig-Out
CAVE SPRING — “Eating barbecue is like kissing girls. It’s always different, but good,” said Cave Spring’s Eric Haney.
Haney was among hundreds drawn to Rolater Park for the annual Pig-Out on Saturday.
David Culp, with Rhino Ribs, said he and his crew have been coming to the event for five or six years.
“It’s a fun weekend for us, because we aren’t in the barbecue business,” he said. Rhino Ribs only travels to competitive events, so the crew only cooks three or four times a year.
Sheriff Tim Burkhalter was also at the event, selling barbecue with two other officers.
The proceeds from his sales go to help pay for the bills of deputies facing unforeseen financial hardships. “It’s the right thing to do,” Burkhalter said.
It was the second year Jon Wade brought Wade’s Barbecue to the Pig-Out.
His ultimate goal is to sell barbecue sauce, according to his brother Joe Wade. He said their dad, Joe Wade Sr., made sauces for 25 years, so they decided to start bottling it.
Pat Evans, of Adairsville, said she comes to the Pig-Out for the hospitality, the good food and the good people of Cave Spring.
“It’s country,” said Jim Fowler, of Rome. “It’s sort of a country setting. It takes you back several years.”
Melissa Cromer and her mother Amelia Madden,
both of Rome, had two reasons to be at the festival this year. One was the good barbecue, while the other was to watch Cromer’s daughter, Allie Acker, clog for Southern Style Sweethearts during the festival.
The 2015 Pig-Out winner for the Boston butts category was Rhino Ribs, with Curly Q BBQ and Cave Spring Activities Committee coming in second and third.
Rhino Ribs also placed first in the rib category, with Big Bear BBQ and Livin’ Lard coming in second and third.
Country Sportsman
Smokin’ Oak placed first in the brisket category, with Big Bear BBQ placing second and Rhino Ribs placing third.
Billy Mac BBQ and Crew placed first in the people’s choice voting, while Country Sportsman Smokin’ Oak and Cave Spring Activities Committee placed second and third.
Sandra Lindsey, director of Cave Spring’s Downtown Development Authority, said all of the proceeds will go toward paying off the mortgage for the town’s welcome center and museum.