Lexington NC Barbecue Festival 2010 - Pigging Out with Pork Lovers

I headed off to the Lexington, North Carolina Barbecue Festival yesterday. It was sunny and in the 70s, so the crowds were thick even at 9 a.m. which is usually a little slower. And, the crowds got thicker from there. I'd have to guess that this is the biggest barbecue festival year since they began the 27 years ago.



The barbecue tents are always super busy. I've read they buy 40 to 50 thousand buns for the chopped pork that is served with slaw as sandwiches - classic North Carolina barbecue. But, the fried food booth was hopping this year as they offered all kinds of strange fried stuff like Oreos, Snickers candy bars, bacon and even butter on a stick and batter deep fried.



Here's deep fried butter. It's a third of a stick of butter. And, I'm just not up to that. Some of my friends got it and said it was great. I'll just take their words for that. I had the bacon on a stick with maple syrup. That was real good - kind of like pancakes with bacon.



Every year they have a great sand art sculpture at the Lexington Barbecue Festival, but I've never seen the artists working on it. This year the sculpture was in progress in front of the Arts Council of Lexington, and the process was really amazing.



Besides Jimmy and my son Eli, I also hung out with Brownkw and SirPorkaLot. If those names sound strange, that's because those are Twitter handles. Yes. I had my first Tweet Up. That's when you meet up with buddies you've made on Twitter. I hang out over at Twitter and talk to a bunch of Twitter peeps. I'm cyndiallison there - no spaces.



We all had barbecue sandwiches of course. What would our barbecue friends think if we went to a barbecue festival and did not have barbecue? And, some of the guys got the curly tail fries which are good too.



I must confess that I got a fried apple pie before I ate lunch. The line for the apple pie booth gets wicked long as the day goes along, so I decided the apples would make it okay for breakfast. I counted it as fruit and did not think about the homemade deep fried wrap.

My Grandma always made the best fried apple pies, so I always look forward to the fried pie booth at the barbecue festival. The fried pies are fabulous. I can't say they are as good as Grandma's, because you just can't say that. They are real close though.



This year they had some fake pork rinds. They are made of whole wheat pasta that they heat to just the right temperature to puff. They really do taste like pork rinds. Could have fooled me, and I've eaten those for years. In any case, we found something healthy at the barbecue festival at "What a Chip."



I also made a new friend at the Barbecue Festival. Here I am with Mr. Pink Pig.

All in all, this was one of the best years ever for the Lexington, NC Barbecue Festival. They had more local booths this time and also some barbecue sauces. The last couple of years had been rainy, and things were slower with fewer things to see and do. This year it was really hopping or maybe I should say oinking in Lexington.

Barbecue Sandwiches at the Lexington, NC Barbecue Festival

This is one of the three tents at the barbecue festival. Area barbecue restaurants join together to make the barbecue for the annual Lexington, NC Barbecue Festival.



This is the 25th year for the Barbecue Festival, but it still has a down home feel. The barbecue signs are made by hand and taped on the plywood sides of the barbecue tent booths.



Behind the tents, they fry up curly tail French fries and also tend the sauce which has a vinegar base and a hint of tomato. The sauce at the festival is generally mild. For hotter sauces, you have to hit some of the barbecue restaurants in Lexington.



You get your pork barbecue, slaw, and curly tail fries at the main booths. Pick up drinks from the various non-profit groups selling along the street.



Is it just me, or does it look like this guy is swiping a barbecue sandwich? I know he wasn't, but it sure looks like it from the photo.


Lexington, North Carolina is a big barbecue town. You will find many restaurants serving pork barbecue cooked over wood. Some restaurants cook with gas which is cheaper and easier, but those are not considered real barbecue restaurants in the area. Two good barbecue restaurants to check out are Lexington Barbecue and Jimmy's. There are lots of other good ones too, but those are especially popular in Lexington.

You can also visit at the end of October and try Lexington barbecue at the annual Barbecue Festival. They have three tents serving chopped pork on buns with sauce. They wrap those up, put them in a brown bag, and you are ready for a good Southern lunch.

Most Southerners like slaw on the barbecue sandwiches or as a side with a barbecue tray. Barbecue slaw is different from regular slaw. It has more spice and a tang. It does make the bun a little soggy though. I'm not a big slaw fan, and that's something I don't usually tell. If I do eat it, I like it as a regular side dish and not running on my barbecue or dripping out of my bun.

One thing I do miss when I eat at the festival is the hush puppies. Most of our barbecue restaurants serve hush puppies with barbecue. I guess it's too much work or they just don't have room to fry hush puppies at the festival.

They do have curly tail French fries at the festival. Most barbecue joints do fries, but they don't put a lot of focus on those. You'll generally get frozen fries dropped in oil. The meat takes so much work and is really the focus, so the side dishes are usually just that - sides.

Some barbecue restaurants serve Brunswick stew with the pork. In my area, we don't see that often. We're more likely to have Brunswick stew as a main dish or for a fundraiser. I've never seen Brunswick stew at the annual Barbecue Festival. It's a great dish though, and I do keep an eye out for churches cooking up stews in the fall.

If you're looking for real North Carolina barbecue, then look for a wood pile and smoke in the morning. Actually, you don't even have to look. You can smell good barbecue.

Count Down on Lexington, NC Barbecue Festival - Looks Like I'm Going

Family Fun at the Lexington, North Carolina Barbecue Festival

I've been waffling on the Lexington, North Carolina Barbecue Festival. It's been my birthday trip for a number of years, since my b-day is October 24th which is always close to the festival date - near the end of October.

This year (2008) is the 25th anniversary of the Barbecue Festival. That makes it appealing in terms of the history, but I am not that keen on huge crowds. A big street party is one thing. When you can't hardly walk for all the people - that's another thing.

We go early to the festival. I'm not talking 6 a.m. or anything like that. But, we shoot for 9 to 10 a.m. and when it first opens up. By noon, it's like a madhouse at the festival. The lines at the parking lots outside of town (where you catch the shuttle buses) are backed way up. I'm always glad we're leaving rather than coming when it gets backed up like that.

I also have issues with the Port-o-Johns. They are not awful early, although last year I had to try three before I could manage it. It was hot last year though, and it's supposed to be cooler this year. Thank goodness. I'm not a total prude, but smells can do me in. Put me in a hot porta-potty with some packages, and I bust out of the door like the Incredible Hulk. Arrhhhggg. Then, I have to get in another potty line and hope for better. The other waiting people do find this amusing. I cough and gag and then my eyes water. Everyone then knows which line not to wait in.

I will make a note to self not to drink much on Barbecue Festival morning and hope I can hold it. If this is not possible, then I must decide if I go before getting barbecue and maybe not having much of an appetite after or waiting and then maybe adding to the bad juju in the port-o-pots.

As long as I am not jam packed in waves of humanity or fumbling for the porta-potty door handles (to get out fast), then I enjoy the heck out of the Lexington BBQ Festival. They have a lot of great music and shows. I like to meander along the main stretch and hear various types of music and see the magic shows and characters like Dora and Superman.

I generally do some Christmas shopping at the Barbecue Festival. They have various booths with crafts and with barbecue sauces. I pick up some new flavors for my barbecues and to give to friends. I usually get some local honey and some dip mixes. I've also found some great crafts like a spider made out of car parts that was quite unique. We also have enjoyed the PVC pipe marshmallow shooters and get more for kids on our gift list.

This is the 25th year, so it may be bigger than I enjoy. Guess I'll find out in two days. I was back and forth on whether to go, but I called around. Right now, it's a go. Will check back in later with the details. Hoping for a great birthday trip. Making sure to use the bathroom at home beforehand though.

Love the Lexington NC Barbecue Festival - But No Love Back - Oh Well

Folks Enjoying the Great Barbecue Street Festival in Lexington, North Carolina

I've been writing and blogging on the Lexington, NC Barbecue festival for a long time now (like years). It is definately a festival to put on your list.

I'm not connected in any way. I just live about 45 minutes away and usually go to celebrate my birthday. I try to pass the word and also have a blast taking pictures of this big barbecue celebration.

Over the years I have tried to get in contact with the festival folks. It would be nice to know when the new information comes out about The Barbecue Festival. I know they have a press party and releases and such. I just have to keep an eye out and get the information on my own. Then, I go and take pictures and tell everyone about the festival.

I've emailed through the festival home page and never had a reponse. I've tried to call the phone number listed. No answer and no answering machine. I suppose I could send a letter to the snail mail address on site, but given that they've never responded to emails and I can't get them on the phone listed, I really don't feel like doing that - taking the time and using a stamp.

This year someone did send me a press release after I'd already blogged and done an article (not noticed I suppose). She asked if she could post the release on my blog - or perhaps I might even want to do that myself. Well, the only way it could go up is if I do it. Random people can not come along and just post to any old blog they want. The blogger has to do that or set up a sign in for a contributor.

I did email and explain that I've been telling folks about the festival for a long time on my own and that I'd been asking to get on the press release list. I did get a response to that one that the writer just wrote and didn't know about any lists. I did post the press release on one of my blogs as well as having written my own materials about the Lexington NC Barbecue Festival. I sent the links on the festival including the full press release link I was asked to post. I did put it on Cooking Help Web. Well, that's the last I heard on that.

Most people do appreciate some free publicity and a thumbs up on their events. I guess that Lexington gets enough publicity and that they don't need commoners spreading the word.

It does seem that since several of my online posts on The Barbecue Festival ding the top of Google for the event (across several sites) that they might want to make sure I have information to share. It might also be a good idea to say "thanks" when sending a press release and asking someone to take time to put it up and with nothing to gain for that person.

Silence is pretty deafening. I usually get a response (even from big companies) if I ask for info to share with others. When someone contacts me (as in this time), and I do take the time to write (and share the links back), then I usually get some sort of indication that it was appreciated. It's sure not like I have to write about anything online. I have a job. This is not it, or I would live in a cardboard box.

In the South, we usually go the extra mile to be helpful and to note those who help out. You'll see that hospitality if you go to the Lexington, NC Festival. Lots of great people and working really hard. That's why I always try to make sure I cover them.

The Lexington, NC Barbecue Festival is usually my birthday trip and treat. This year, I must confess . . . I'm not so sure. If they can't respond to emails and can't answer the phone and if they send me a press release and flat out ask me to post it but don't bother to thank me for doing so, then maybe I can find something else to do for my birthday.

Plans Complete for Lexington NC Barbecue Festival - 25th Year

Lexington NC Pork Barbecue Festival Sandwich with Red Slaw, Curly Pig Tail French Fries, and a Good Old NC Pepsi



Hot Grilled Corn in the Husks - Lathered With Butter After Smoked



Sitting on the Steps Enjoying the BBQ Festival, Food, and Ready for More Fun Later


The Tin Can Man - Making Airplanes Out of Aluminum Cans

I have been waiting (not so patiently) for all the details on the 25th Lexington NC Barbecue Festival. This is a milestone year, and I'm sure it's going to be extra special. So, I've watched the Barbecue Festival web page to see what all is going on this year. The new information went up this week, and also got an email from Greta who is working on getting the word out about this top rated Barbecue street party.

Lee Ann Womack - Featured Entertainer This Year

The big news this year is that Lee Ann Womack is headlining. She is probably most known for her song "I Hope You Dance" which appealed to a cross section of music fans including pop and her country music fan base.

Other stars playing for 2008 include Adam Gregory, Randy Houser, and Jamie Johnson.

There are always lots of great local groups ranging from jazz to beach music and even performers like a magician.

In addition to the main stage, there are various smaller stages set up and down the street, so it's easy to find some good music or someone telling stories.

I'd also note that Sponge Bob will be making appearances this year which will really excite a lot of the kids.

Great Food All Day and Plenty of It

You can guess the theme of the Barbecue Festival in Lexington. They serve the famous Lexington BBQ which is chopped pork on a bun. The sauce is vinegar based with a little hot pepper and has some zing but not so much that it freaks out those who can't handle hot foods. Just a nice little burst of flavor.

In the South, most people eat barbecue pork with slaw. It's a red slaw. Again, it has more zip than more traditional slaws. It also makes the buns a little soggy, so some people love and some do not. You can ask for it either way - with or without slaw.

There's more food than you can shake a stick at at the Barbecue Festival, so arrive hungry. In addition to the fabulous barbecue, you can get other Southern favorites like grilled corn on the cob, fried pork rinds, and fried apple pies.

Check Out the Booths

North Main Street in Lexington is always lined with double rows of booths. Many of these include arts and crafts. You can find cool things that you'd not find at the mall. One of my favorite booths is the Tin Can Man booth. He makes airplanes and other items like ships out of aluminum cans. He even makes them while you watch. Tell him that writer Cyndi said "hi" if you see him.

I always enjoy some of the sample booths. There are mixes you can buy. They usually have pretzels, and you can try various cheese dip mixes. I stock up every year and have those for the holidays. I also buy new hot sauces, since small vendors have different homemade sauces to sell. They also offer samples usually. Those range from the NC style with a vinegar base to tomato based to mustard (from SC).

Lexington NC Has a Great Barbecue Festival

Some small town festivals are really small town. You only have a few things to see and do. That's not the case in Lexington. It's huge - really. They expect 10,000 this year, and the town has a population of a little over 20,000.

The Barbecue Festival consistantly makes the top ten list for festivals in the southeast and has also been mentioned by USA Today and Travel & Leisure magazine.

Of course, everyone around these parts know it's a great day!

Lexington NC Festival Details

The festival is on Saturday October 25, 2008. The booths open up at 8:30 and the barbecue tents at 10 a.m. I suggest shooting for 9 a.m. or earlier, because it gets really crowded as the day goes along. And, the bus lines get long.

Since the town really is small, it works out better to park and shuttle in. We always park at the Wal-Mart Super Center off I85 (exit 91). They also have parking at Childress Vineyards on US Highway 64 and the Davidson County governmental complex on N. Main Street. The shuttles run every 15 minutes or so, and the drivers are real friendly. Bus tickets are $2 but free for kids under 12.

There's enough to keep you busy all day and lots of food to keep you going. This year, they'll close down from 6 p.m. and set up for the 25th celebration complete with fireworks to cap off the quarter century mark.

It doesn't cost a thing to get into the festival. Free for all.

Where is This Festival?

If you're not familiar with Lexington, NC, then it's 20 miles South of Winston-Salem, NC, 30 miles from Greensboro and 45 miles from Charlotte.

Lexington NC Barbecue Festival

Lexington, NC will host the 24th annual Barbecue Festival next Saturday (October 27, 2007). This is one of the biggest and best barbeque festivals in the South. Heck, it's one of the best festivals in the country period. They even have the awards to prove it.

I live about 45 minutes from Lexington, and we make an annual pilgrimage to Lexington. We go other times of the year for the fabulous local vinegar based barbecue, but we make sure to mark the calendar for the official food festival. Government officials were going to name it the state barbecue festival, but barbecuers in other parts of the state got their panties in wads. They just named it the state food festival, but it's definately barbecue.

Don't confuse the festival with a barbecue competition. You don't have to haul in your cooker, and you won't see all the hot dogging. Locals managed to come up with a representative trademark sandwich which is served at the festival from several large tents. That's just for starters on the food. You'll find all the carnival type foods plus some Southern favorites like fried apple pies. The line gets long for those, so don't wait until afternoon. You'll never get one if you do.

Even if you aren't a fan of barbecue and other fast foods, there's plenty to see and do at the Lexington Festival. They have entertainment on several stages. Some of the entertainment is music. Some programs are for the kids but fun for adults too. There are small rides and games and lots of merchant booths. I get a lot of my Christmas shopping done at the festival and have unique items that I can't find in stores.

Lexington is a small southern town, but it's busting at the seams come barbecue Saturday. They have buses running from the Wal-Mart parking lot, and that's the best bet. Just park and catch a ride over. The buses run just every few minutes.

Be sure to look for the cheese ball mix ladies. Yum. Those mixes are wonderful. I always stock up. And keep an eye for the marshmallow shooters. Those are made with PVC pipe and shoot mini marshmallows. My boys had a blast with those the year we picked some up.

If you miss the festival this year, mark your calendar. The Lexington Barbecue Festival is always one of the last two Saturdays in October. They have a web page. Check that out for details.