Laurinburg and Scotland County may be better known for their Highland Games and Christmas celebrations, but that is starting to change.
From April 12 to 13, be sure to come hungry to the Suds & Swine Festival in downtown Laurinburg — you’ll be glad you did. The festival teams up with the NC Whole Hog Barbecue Series to offer music, beer, and award-winning barbecue. Hosted by the Scotland County TDA, Rotary Club of Laurinburg, and the Laurinburg-Scotland County Chamber of Commerce, the festival features 25 professional and 16 amateur teams of pitmasters as they test their culinary skills.
“They’re called professional cook teams, and there’s a reason” says Shan Mize, one of the festival organizers and vice president of the Rotary Club of Laurinburg. “They put a lot of time and effort into their craft.”
Professional and amateur pitmasters put their skills to the test as they work to wow the judges with their signature barbecue. Photography courtesy of Scotland County Tourism Development Authority
The festivities kick-off Friday night with a downtown concert and include food trucks, beer trucks, and a play area for little ones. The whole hogs are handed out Friday evening, and then the cooking teams begin their low-and-slow cooking process.
Saturday offers more live music, and the judging of the professional and amateur competitions takes place. Then, the cooked barbecue is chopped fresh from the bone and sold to attendees as sandwiches and pints. On Saturday festival attendees should also spend time at the farmers market and the annual SpringFest Art Celebration, sponsored by the Arts Council of Scotland County.
Proceeds from this event will support the Rotary Club of Laurinburg and its charities — including an exchange program where Scotland High School welcomes students from Laurinburg’s sister city, Oban, Scotland. This is the second year of this event, which is already one of the most popular on the NC Whole Hog Barbecue circuit. Join in on the fun, fill up on tasty barbecue, and help contribute to a worthy cause while you do it.
Scotland County provides events and festivals year-round. A mixture of cultural, community and history, many of these events take place in our historic downtown and at local venues. Come to Laurinburg, enjoy our festivals, and become part of our community!
The smell of whole hogs cooking on the smoker fills the air, while live music plays at Laurinburg’s annual Suds & Swine Barbecue Festival. Photography courtesy of Scotland County Tourism Development Authority
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