04/13/2025
Another year in the books and another great event - and yes, another year of a passing shower on Friday - lol. We would like to thank all that make this event so successful. Obviously the Laurinburg Rotary – our host and partner. All the volunteers, all the hours, all the passion. Thank you. Our cooks – both the pros and the backyard teams. We’d have no festival without your involvement and we’d not have nearly the fun. The Whole Hog Barbeque Championship and your judges (especially Tim Gupton) for your support and guidance. Our great stable of sponsors including Smithfield, Southern Cuts, Gibson Oil, Edward Jones - Becca Hughes & Bette Sellers, Scotia Village, State Farm - Jordan Aylward, Scotland Healthcare, and Cypress Creek Renewables. The Laurinburg Chamber for hosting the Friday Night Laurinburg After Five and your hours of help in prepping for the event and the City of Laurinburg for helping with the grounds at McDuffie Square. Jim Kitzmiller and the high school’s Culinary Program for managing the student burger competition. And finally, of course, the people of Laurinburg and Scotland County that come out and support the festival, the Rotary and cook teams.
The competition all around was tight. A reflection of the quality of of the teams. The results:
NC Whole Hog Barbeque Competition:
1st Place - Billy John Narron - “Wicked Pig” from Middlesex, NC (his third win of the season)
2nd Place - Kevin Peterson - Showtime's Legit BBQ, LLC - (our 2023 winner) from Benson, NC
3rd Place - Kevin Wooten – Pickin & Grillin BBQ from Raleigh
Backyard Competition:
1st Place – Terrell Price – Bookie’s Q from Fuquay-Varina
2nd Place - Milton Freeman – The Freeman Family from Raefod
3rd Place – Bracey Stone – The Bearded Stones from Laurinburg
High School Competition:
1st Place – Paulina Chestnut
2nd Place – Timothy Covington
3rd Place – Aryssa Trimborn
Again, thank you to all and mark your calendar for April 10 – 11, 2026 for Suds & Swine 2026!!!