The Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce presents...
Schedule of Events
Events added Daily – Please check back weekly to see the additions!
Make plans to attend the 31th Annual BBQ Festival on the Neuse and Wil King Hog Happenin. Downtown Kinston is the place to be May 2-5 with non-stop activities, entertainment and the best BBQ in North Carolina. Bring the family for a weekend of good times and memories! Enjoy beach music, burgers, barbeque, fireworks and fun southern style!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
5th Annual "Plein Air Paint Out"
9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location – Neuseway Park, corner of Gordon St. and Mitchell Street
Judging will occur on Friday evening (5/6/2011) with artwork will be displayed and for sale at Mother Earth Brewing, 311 N. Herritage St.
For more extensive information and registration, please visit KinstonCCA.com...
Evening with the Stars 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Mother Earth Brewing Tap Room and Gardens
Mother Earth Brewing, 311 N. Herritage St.
Visual art show & sale, heavy hors d'oeuvres, beverages, great entertainment. Arts Council's House Jazz Band will provide entertainment. Ticket price $35/person.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Caswell Center Foundation Golf Tournament 1:00 pm
Location – Falling Creek Golf Course
Tee off for this Superball Tournament at 1 pm and join other Caswell supporters for golf and plenty of prizes! Trophies will be awarded, door prizes given, and prizes for closest-to-pin, longest drive, and most accurate drive. While enjoying the camaraderie on the course, your swing may land you more than just the good meal…..Your support will make life better for people with developmental disabilities in eastern North Carolina. Contact - Beverly Carruth at 252-208-3780 or Beverly.Carruth@ncmail.net
Caswell Center Foundation
Jazz Concert 6:00 pm
presented by Community Council for the Arts
Location
– Neuseway Park, corner of Gordon St. and Mitchell Street
Friday, May 4th, 2012
5th Annual "Plein Air Paint Out" 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Judging will occur on Friday evening (5/4/2012) with artworks displayed and for sale.
31st Annual Wil King Hog Happenin'
Location – Neuseway/Tiffany West Park Vietnam Veterans Memorial Area. Contact - Tammy Kelly – Chair 919-495-1116
Set-up and Arrival 12:00 noon
Welcome - Miss Kinston & Festival on the Neuse Hospitality team.
The 6th Annual Chamber Burger and Brew Bash (6:00 pm)
will heat things up on Friday night at the Festival on the Neuse/Wil King Hog Happenin'! This year we are partnering with Mother Earth Brewing to provide the best brew around.
The Chamber Classic Burger and Brew Bash will kick off Friday night's activities and continues until all burgers have been sold! The Chamber Classic Burger will feature Nooherooka Natural Beef burgers, cheese, chili, slaw, mustard, ketchup and onions or you can dress your burger to taste! We will also feature our Hot Diggity Dog - the best dog you will ever bite! To complement your Burger or Hot Diggity Dog you can also have sweet potato fries donated by Tull Hill Farms. Dinner will begin at 6:00 pm.
Nooherooka Natural is committed to offering consumers premium all natural beef products. They take every step to produce beef that is both tender and bursting with flavor. Nooherooka Natural beef can be ordered in quarter, half, or whole carcass. Consumers interested in Nooherooka Natural beef products should call toll free 1-866-633-0229.
We want the community to come out to the Festival and feast on the best burgers in the East while enjoying the sensational Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party and the Showmanship competition for the Wil King Hog Happenin'!
Sponsors for Burger and Brew
Welcome & Introduction of Cook Teams and Sponsors 6:30 pm
Meet the cooks and their sponsors as we introduce the 2012 Hog Happenin' teams and sponsors. Let's make these teams feel welcome!
Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party 6:00 pm
Location – Neuseway/Tiffany West Park Main Stage
COME ON DOWN AND PARTY WITH US!
Get on those "shaggin" shoes and get ready to party, because Steve Hardy and his Original Beach Party will be the Master of Ceremonies on both Friday night. Hardy will emcee Friday night's show. Each Sunday night from 5 to 10 p.m. on WNCT FM 107.9, Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party goes out over the airwaves. Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party is the longest-running beach music radio show on the air. He's won many awards over the years, from several DJ of the year awards and the coveted Cammy Award for Lifetime Achievement, to being elected to the Beach Music Hall of Fame.
Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party, WNCT-FM 107.9/TACC 9/ENC T.V. Shows, 252-247-3058 or visit www.originalbeach1.com.
Chief Cook Briefing 7:00 pm
Ghost Walk Tour 7:30 pm
Embark upon a "spirited adventure as your guide relveals stories of Civil War soldiers held eternally captive by duty, roaming where they once experienced the horrors of battle.
Reservations in advance recommended. $6.00 per person.
Location: Farmers Market
Contact: Thomas Bailey 252-527-1131
Showmanship Competition - 7:30 pm
Location - Pearson Park
Don't miss this competition…these cook teams go all out to really "put on the Hog" as they compete for the showmanship awards in this competition. Past teams have entertained festival attendees with all kinds of themes…from singing cowboys to gambling pigs…you won't believe that pig cookin' can be so much fun!The tantalizing aroma of barbecue will soon be wafting down the banks of the Neuse as the Kinston-Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce host the 31st Annual Wil King Hog Happenin'.
A preliminary competition to the "Super Bowl of Swine" the Hog Happenin' will host more than 60 award-winning barbecue cookers. These grillmasters and goodtimers will descend upon Tiffany West/ Neuseway Park in downtown Kinston on Friday afternoon to compete for thousands of dollars in cash and prizes. Sanctioned by the North Carolina Pork Council, the Hog Happenin' cookoff is one of the most prestigious barbecue competitions in the state. Make sure that you "come on down" on Friday night for serious competition and serious fun as the teams compete in showmanship! Local cook teams, churches, volunteer fire departments, and civic organizations are encouraged to compete just as they have at the past Hog Happenin' for cash awards and prizes.
Contact: Tammy Kelly, 919-495-1116
Fireworks! 9:30 pm
Location – Herritage Street and Pearson/Tiffany West Park
Sponsored by Mother Earth Brewery
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Hog Happenin’
Tammy Kelly, chairperson
On-Site judging of BBQ 8:00 am
Opening Ceremony - 10:00 am
Location – Walk of Honor Stage
National Anthem
Welcome – Colonel Joe Tyson, Chairman, Kinston-Lenoir County Tourism Development Authority.
Contact - Bonnie and Herman McLawhorn 252-560-4440 Walk of Honor/SALUTE!
Martha Bishop/TACC 9
Emcee through out the day for all events in this area.
Bicycle Fitness Ride for Scholarship
7:30am Registration
Choose between a 9.5 mile or 22.5 mile ride through Kinston, NC as a fitness activity for scholarship. The event begins at the Farmers Market Area and continues through sections of the city.
Registration begins at 7:30a.m Saturday morning. Bicycle helmets are required for riders under the age of 16 and recommended for riders 16 and over.
Proceeds from the event will assist in funding scholarships for high school students through the "Fonnie B. Murrill and Ruth M. Jones Scholarship Foundation."
Special awards will be presented to the oldest, youngest participants and the participant who has traveled the farthest distance for the event. Prizes will be awarded by lottery to three riders for each route. All awardees must complete the 9.5 or 22.5 mile rides.
Parking for riders is available in the parking lot behind the ABC Store on King Street between Queen and Herritage. Registration is located to the left of the Farmer's Market, beginning at 7:30 am. There will be an opening ceremony for the festival at 10:00 am in Pearson Park. All riders are to be lined up on West Caswell and Herritage Streets by 8:25 am for final pre-ride information.
Click here to download the Fitness Ride Brochure and Registration form (1.3MB PDF)
Click here to download a simple registration form (37KB PDF)
Click here to download 9.5 mile route directions or 22.5 mile route directions (Excel)
Contacts - Bert Statum at Riverside Bicycle Shop - (252) 520-9400 or Edwin Jones - (252) 527-0039 or ECJCSCS@aol.com
Hair Cuts for a Great Cause!
Salon Steven from 9 until 1
209 N. Herritage St.
(252) 523-4800
All proceeds go to the Lenoir County Education Foundation and the teacher mini grant program.
Accepting a donation of at least…
- $10 for children hair cuts
- $15 for men hair cuts
- $20 for women hair cuts
- Additional Donations towards the Education Foundation will be accepted at the Salon from now until the Festival.
Salon Stevens is committed to assisting local projects and is especially pleased to be raising funds for Lenoir County Teacher Mini Grants. Teacher Mini grants fund additional educational projects for our children.
Help us to help this very worthy cause!
Steve Hardy's Original Beach Party 11:00 until...
Location – Neuseway/Pearson Park Main Stage
The Nature Center/Planetarium/Big Daddy Train 10:00am until...
Trolley Ride to - from Park to Nature Center
Pick-up Location- TBD
Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Dept.
The Kinston/Lenoir County Parks & Recreation Department will be offering free trolley rides from the Festival On The Neuse to the Neuseway Nature Park and Planetarium. The trolley will run from 10:00am - 3:00pm every half hour. Admission is free to visit the Nature Center and the Planetarium.
The Nature Center is home to many native and exotic animals including various species of reptiles, mammals and birds. The Planetarium & Science Museum features the Lenoir Memorial Hospital Health Museum which includes a human heart that patrons may walk through and many other hands-on exhibits. The Planetarium will also have special shows every hour on the hour. Big Daddy's Express, which is one of the the most popular additions to the park, will be offering discounted train rides.
Contact – Melissa McCoy at 252-939-3347.
Stop by and Meet the Swamp Loggers
Fourth generation logger Bobby Goodson is one of the rare breeds of swamp loggers working the murky, dangerous swamps of North Carolina in search of high value timber for everything from paper products to construction grade lumber. This family-owned operation employs nearly a dozen swamp veterans including Bobby's son Justin Goodson and brother-in-law David Mueller. Meet their cook team as they go for "the big prize" and cook up some Swamp loggers' style Q
Come by, visit, get their autograph and enter a drawing for a Swamp chair designed and made by none other than the Swamploggers themselves! After 8:00pm on Friday and After 11:00am on Saturday!
Kid's Fest 10:00am -4:00pm
Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties
A full day of family fun awaits you at the 5th Annual Kids Fest, sponsored by The Partnership for Children of Lenoir and Greene Counties and The Andy's Foundation. Kids and their parents can take a ride on the giant inflatable slide or maze their way through the caterpillar.You won't want to miss out on all the fun, or the barbecue!
Art Fest 10:00 until...
Stop, shop and enjoy works by featured artisans at Beautiful Herritage Landing. This Juried Arts & Crafts Show and Market features Artists and Crafters from all over the State and beyond. They will display and sell their work. If you love art or if you are looking for that special gift…shop this area …the Art Fest …Art Market is the place to be!
CSS Neuse II 10:00 until...
Living History Event
Experience Naval life as it was during the War Between the States at the CSS Neuse II. Re-enactors will bring history back to life as they answer questions and demonstrate different tools that were used during that time period. Guided tours offered during the festival.
Contact: John Nix 252-560-2150
CSS Neuse Interpretive Center
Learn more about the CSS Neuse Gunboat and view artifacts discovered buried with the CSS Neuse for over 100 years!Antique Tractor and Farm Equipment Exhibit 10:00 – 4:00
This year's exhibit highlights antique tractors, engines and other antique farm equipment. A fine example of agriculture history!
Open Car Truck Show Registration 9:00 – 1:00
Awards 3:00 at the Talent Stage
History comes rolling in as more than 100 Classic Cars and Trucks roll in to the festival for the Sale Auto Mall 1st Annual Open Car Show. Hosted by Carolina Classic Cruisers and the BBQ Festival on the Neuse, the show is a rolling history lesson for all to experience! Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
Click here to download the brochure and registration form.
Contact: Diane Jones, 252-560-0782
Meet Miss Kinston and local Celebritys for autographs
10:00 – 1:002nd Annual Golden Key Award Presentation
Presented by Mayor B. J. Murphy 1:00 pm
Miss Kinston and local Celebrity's welcome and autographs 12pm-2pm
Local entertainment - South Stage area TBA
Vendor's Market Friday, 5–10 pm and Saturday 9 am–4 pm.
Squeal with delight as you peruse the items available at the Vendors Market!
From mouth watering sweet treats to personalized tee shirts and hot sunshades you are sure to find something to "pig out" on, enjoy or take home! Just look for the boat and you will find the Vendor Market on Gordon and Mitchell Streets and in the park.
4-H Rabbit and Poultry Show 2:00pm
Location - Talent Stage Area
The show is open to any youth ages 19 and under.
Contact - Tara Taylor, 4-H Agent, tara_taylor@ncsu.edu or 252-527-2191.
Herritage Landing Merchants 10:00am – 2:00pm
Special Festival Shopping Events
Civil War Battlefield Guided Bus Tours 11:00 am & 2pm
Location: Behind Mother Earth Brewery
Guide tour of the Wyse Fork Battlefield
Contact - Jane Phillips 252-468-1424 - Reservations recommended
Brewery Tours at Mother Earth Brewing
Tours every 30 minutes 11:00am - 4pm
Location: 311 N. Herritage St.
Tours and Taproom will be open all day.
Contact - Trent Mooring 252-208-2437
Farmer's Market
From new potatoes and mixed greens to herbs and spices, sauces, and sinfully delicious baked goods you will find everything that you need for that southern Sunday Dinner right here at the Festival Farmer's Market. Area growers sell an abundance of fruits, vegetables and other locally produced items from farm to table!
Kinston Public Safety Fire Engine Display
10:30am - 12:00pm and 2:30pm to 4:00pm
Location - Caswell Street near Queen Street
The entire family will enjoy a visit with Kinston's Public Safety Officers as they give fire and safety demonstrations.
Check out this awesome fire engine "up close"!
“Let the Feast Begin!”
BBQ Plates for Sale 11:00 am
Location: Farmers Market & Neuseway/Tiffany West Park Gazebo AreaLet the feast begin! Barbecue will be served up by the Kinston - Lenoir County Chamber of Commerce. These fine folks will prepare mouthwatering hushpuppies and slaw and serve some of the BEST Barbecue in Eastern North Carolina.
Great Neuse River Rubber Duck Race 4:00 pm
Location – Riverfront by the Farmers Market
All prizes are donated by local Kinston merchants.
Contact - Bill Ellis, Kinston City Parks and Recreation Department, 252-939-3332.
Stage Entertainment Continues 3:30 until...
TBA
Promotional Sponsors...
Chamber President’s Club Festival Members:
Gold Sponsors
Harvey Fertilizer and Gas Lenoir Memorial Hospital
Lenoir Committee of 100
Silver Sponsors
Minges Bottling Group Perry Management Spring Arbor of Kinston
BB&T CenturyLink Progress Energy Carolinas
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. Spirit Aerosystems
Kinston Public Services
Theme Song by The Donald Thompson Underwood Band
