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MURFREESBORO – Teams from across the state will converge on Murfreesboro this weekend as they participate in a barbecue competition as a part of the annual PorkFest event.

Last year, the Murfreesboro Volunteer Fire Department took over the long-running local event. This year, it will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 31 at 201 E. Broad Street, the same location where Watermelon Festival is held each year.

Murfreesboro VFD Chief Harrison Revelle said that those who’ve already bought tickets for their barbecue plates can pick them up from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Presales are already concluded for this year, but Revelle added that they will also sell any extra plates on a first come, first served basis on Saturday.

Plates will include pork barbecue, coleslaw, potatoes, string beans, and hushpuppies.

The barbecue competition is an officially-sanctioned NC Pork Council event, and the winner will continue on to the state cookoffs. The cooking will get underway Friday evening, and judging will be held Saturday morning.

Harrison encouraged people to come not only to enjoy the barbecue but to also have a fun time with the other entertainment offered on Saturday.

There will be an antique car and truck show as well as a vendor fair, featuring a variety of arts, crafts, and sweets vendors. Sophie Taylor is set to perform on stage, and DJ Jesse will also provide music throughout the day.

“It was a great event for the town of Murfreesboro when it was going on years ago,” explained Revelle.

Once the previous organizers were unable to continue, the Fire Department had the opportunity to revive the event. Revelle said PorkFest is now the largest fundraiser they conduct each year.

Costs to operate a volunteer fire department continue to rise each year, particularly for the gear and equipment the firefighters use for each call. Revelle said fundraisers like PorkFest help them continue to operate.

He thanked everyone who plays a part in making sure PorkFest is able to continue.

“We definitely couldn’t do it without the volunteers and sponsors. That’s really what makes the event successful,” he explained.

“It’s also a good way to bring everybody together, and bring in people from out of town,” he continued. “We hope to be able to grow the event each and every year.”

For more information, visit their website murfreesboroncvfd.com/PorkFest