ST. JOHN – What’s better….all-you-can-eat ‘Carolina style pork barbecue or a popular band cranking out the sweet sounds of Beach Music?

Thanks to the efforts of the St. John Volunteer Fire Department, one doesn’t have to choose between the two as they will be combined during the 6th annual Pork Fest scheduled for May 22 at Tri-County Airport.

There, ticket holders can fill their bellies with lip-smacking, home-cooked pork barbecue, with all the traditional trimmings, and then kick-up their heels to the live music of the Craig Woolard Band.

Gates open at 6 p.m. The meal will be served between 6-8 p.m. and the Craig Woolard Band will perform from 7-11 p.m.

The food/music combo is priced at $25 per person. In addition to the barbecue, the meal includes slaw, potatoes and corn sticks as well as bottomless cups of tea, soft drinks, water or beer (for those ages 21-and-over).

Tickets can be purchased at St. John’s Kart, Southern Bank locations in Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, Woodland, Gatesville, Windsor, Roanoke Rapids, Scotland Neck and Edenton or from any St. John fireman. For more information, call 332-4431.

SJFD Chief Wesley Liverman urges those wishing to purchase a ticket to do so immediately before the supply runs out.

All proceeds benefit the fire department as they use this fundraiser to generate funds needed for upkeep on equipment, insurance, turnout gear ($2,500 per fireman) and purchases of radios and air packs and the pump tests performed annually on its fleet of vehicles.

In regards to this year’s music, Craig Woolard has enjoyed a stellar career as the front man of one of Carolina’s premiere bands, the Embers. After 27 years with his former group, Woolard has taken on a new persona in what is claimed to be the South’s number one Beach Music, R&B, Top 40, Motown, 70’s & 80’s and Rock & Roll party band.

The Craig Woolard Band wows their audience with one of the most diverse repertoires and original crowd participation shows in the industry. It is no wonder they have become one of the most highly recommended and sought after bands for weddings, private and corporate events, concerts, and festivals in the southeastern United States.

Woolard’s classy and riveting stage presence offers audiences non -stop entertainment. With his distinctive vocal style, he continually delivers the tunes just the way the crowd loves them.

Founded in 2005, Woolard’s new band was honored as Group of the Year in their first year together. Meanwhile, Woolard earned Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist, Best Smoothie Song and Song of the Year.