Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues goes PRO!

Zephyrhills Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues

Now a Florida State Championship BBQ Contest

Zephyrhills, FL (October 29, 2012) – The Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce Signature Event - Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues festival – has experienced three consecutive years of growth and positive returns to the local community. Going in to the 3^rd Annual event held last Saturday, organizers received a formal proclamation from Florida State Representative and Speaker Designee Will Weatherford declaring BBQ & Blues a State Championship Barbecue Contest.

There are only approximately 20 BBQ contests in the State of Florida – including Kansas City BBQ Society and Florida BBQ Association sanctioned contests – that carry this distinction. The news brought smiles to the weary faces of organizers who had battled rain showers and gusty winds during venue prep Thursday and Friday. The news was received with cheers from cook-off teams at Friday night’s Team Meeting. Pros in for the weekend’s competition knew the ante had just been upped. The Grand Champion of a State Championship BBQ contest receives a draw for the granddaddy contest of them all – the Jack Daniels World Championships held in Lynchburg, TN, and this year’s Pro division contest was now a qualifier for the draw.

“This is a huge boost for us and we are humbled and grateful to Florida House Speaker Designee Will Weatherford for supporting our community,” said executive director Vonnie Mikkelsen. The good news couldn’t have come at a better time. “We have such an overwhelming number of community partners, supporters, and volunteers that help make this event happen. It was only a little over two years ago that we were talking about just a “little” idea.  This tribute is for all of those who have believed in us from the beginning. I am so thrilled to put this in their hand!”

Participation and attendance at this year’s event brought in an estimated 5,000 people, and another 20% increase in overall participation over last year.

Proceeds from the event benefit services selected local youth and education programs and a number of community services and programs sponsored by the chamber.

Results from Saturday’s Competition:
PROFESSIONAL DIVISION
GRAND CHAMPION: Swamp Boys (Winter Haven, FL)
RESERVE CHAMPION: Big Papa’s Country Kitchen (Naples, FL)
BACKYARD DIVISION
GRAND CHAMPION: Bettern Store Bot (Bushnell, FL)
Bahr’s Smokin’ Butts (Zephyrhills, FL) was selected “The People’s Choice” for all around favorite team.
For a complete list of contest results, contact the chamber office:
(813) 782-1913 or news@zephyrhillschamber.org

The Zephyrhills 3^rd Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Fest is brought to you by the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce in Partnership with The Tampa Tribune/TBO.com/News Channel 8 and Nestle Waters/Zephyrhills Natural Spring Water as well as a number of fine community-minded businesses.

The Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce is a membership-based association of businesses, organizations and individuals working together to preserve and continually enhance the quality of life in the community of Zephyrhills and surrounding area of East Pasco County. We promote a vibrant and active business climate supporting economic growth through leadership and active involvement by our membership.