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Local News - May 2002

City to celebrate Hog Happenin’

Bikers and barbecue coming May 31

By ALICE SMITH, LTN Staff Writer

May 13, 2002 - Rev up your engine, strap on your bib and go hog wild.
Something big is happenin’ in downtown Lincolnton May 31-June 1.

The First Charter Hog Happenin’ is back, and it promises to be better than ever.

The event was recently proclaimed by Gov. Michael Easley as “The Lincolnton Hog Happenin’ Barbecue State Championship.”

It is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, meaning standardized rules and regulations to guarantee fair judging.

Brad Guth, director of Lincolnton Business and Community Development, said being sanctioned builds on the success of last year.

The 2001 Hog Happenin’ was declared “Best Downtown Special Event in North
Carolina” by the N.C. Department of Commerce. There were 3,000 cooks, riders and watchers last year, and Guth expects 5,000 or more in 2002.

More cooking teams will take part, and more vendors will be present. So far, Guth said he has 12 entries, and the May 24 deadline is approaching.

The TRT Trailer Sales cookoff starts at 4 p.m. Friday, May 31. Categories include chicken, pork ribs, pork
shoulder and beef brisket. The entry fee is $120.

The grand champion will walk away with $750, and the reserve grand champion will pocket $500. Individual category winners will receive $100 each.

Plaques will be handed out to the winners, as well as the second, third and fourth place teams in each category.

The grand champion will also be invited to attend the American Royal Invitation in Kansas City, Missouri.

And that’s just the first day.

Hogs of another sort will be crowding the street Saturday as part of the Heafner Tires and Wheels Bike Show and Poker Run.

The poker run will start at Carolina Harley-Davidson at 1994 Remount Rd., Gastonia, and end in downtown Lincolnton. Register for the poker run from 10 a.m. to noon.

Poker hands are $10 each, or $20 for three. Cash prizes will be handed out for best hand, most aces and worst hand.

 Bikers will fill up the courtsquare Saturday afternoon. Registration for the show is 1 to 3 p.m., with judging starting at 3 p.m. The entry fee is free with poker run participation, or $10 without.

Bikers will compete for cash prizes and plaques in categories including cruiser, dresser, sportster, custom, sport bike and classic.

“No other event in North Carolina combines the animal with the mechanical hog,” Guth said.

Can’t cook, but like to eat? Can’t ride, but want to watch? Competitors aren’t the only ones who will enjoy the weekend.

Some barbecue teams will offer up their goods to the public. On Saturday, bands will fill downtown will music from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Carolina Harley Davidson stage.

Guth said the event draws contestants from up and down the East coast. The winning cooking team last year hailed from Lakeland, Florida.

For more information, call 704-736-8915.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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