The trailers are getting set up at Wiseman Park. The teams are beginning their preparations. The excitement and anticipation are building. And this afternoon at 5:00 “The Jack” officially gets off to a rousing start with the Parade of Teams, led by the MCHS Marching Band.

With banners, flags, and uniforms, teams from all over the world will parade around the square and back to Wiseman Park. It is always fun to watch, and draws a big crowd to cheer the teams on. The teams are hyped up just to be here, by invitation, to the most famous barbeque competition in the world. The final count this year is 102 teams, and includes last year’s Grand Champion team, Kings BBQ of Jacksonville, FL back to defend their title.

Friday is a light day, with only two competitive events scheduled, as follows… 9:00 am – “The Jack:” Shaken and Stirred” Cocktail Contest at Jack Daniel’s Visitor Center 10:00 am – “I know Jack…About Grillin’!” Contest 11:00 am – Judging begins 6:00 pm – BBQ Bash in the Hollow Concert begins, featuring the music of Redferrin and Kelsey Hart at the Jack Daniel’s Welcome Center Saturday the competition really heats up with the main events…and several of them run simultaneously 8:00 am – complimentary BBQ breakfast by Mark Lambert of Sweet Swine O’ Mine 10:00 am – Judges check in at the Jack Daniel’s tent, signups begin for the Country Dog Contest at the tennis courts, and live music starts at the food court 11:30 am – Country Dog Contest begins

The Demonstration Village has a full schedule on Saturday, as follows… 10:00 am – Easy Smoked Honey Fire Chicken Wings by BamaQ 10:30 am – Whiskey Barrel Hot Dog Burnt Ends by Mark Lambert 11:00 am – Barrel-Seared Tri-Tip Tacos by Bruce Johnson of Hey Bruce BBQ 11:30 am – The Smokehouse Bacon Bomb Smashburgers by Misty Banchero of Seattle’s Butcher’s Wife 12:00 pm – Wagyu Steamship Demonstration by TN Craft Butcher 12:30 pm – Jack Braised Sausage and Peppers by Lee Hickel of Red Mules BBQ 1:00 pm – Lynchburg Dirty Rice by Mark Lambert Whiskey Smoked Whole Hog by Billy Terrell of Beached Pig BBQ 1:30 pm – Honey Fire Chicken Wings by BamaQ return 2:00 pm – Bavarian Brat Stack Burgers by Lee Hickel

Turn-in times and judging

11:30 am – Jack Daniel’s Sauce for international teams

12:00 pm – Cook’s Choice for U.S. teams Home Cookin’ from the Homeland for international teams 12:30 pm – Chicken judging 1:00 pm – Pork Ribs 1:30 pm – Pork Shoulders and Butts 2:00 pm – Beef Brisket 2:30 pm- Desserts After the judging

3:00 pm – Pie Auction, Cake and Pie Auction begins at the Duraflame Stage. Always a fan favorite, the pies and cakes are baked by area bakers in their own kitchens. Proceeds go to benefit the Moore County Historical and Genealogical Society, so bid often and bid high!

AND FINALLY…

5:30 pm – The Awards Ceremony begins and the winners are announced!

The aromas, the food, the vendors, the food, the teams, the food, the music, and did we mention the food? It is Lynchburg’s grandest event of the year, and the turnout proves it. There’s something for everyone, and never a dull moment. By the time it is over everyone leaves tired, but happy, and already looking forward to next year.