“Hogs for the Cause” kicked off the 2019 festival season in New Orleans with its 11th annual event on March 28-30.
The second annual sold-out “Bacon Night” kicked off the festival on Friday, with teams serving up nearly two tons of Nueske’s bacon. Saturday welcomed a record-breaking crowd of both fans and competitors, featuring over 20 notable bands playing alongside 90 barbecue teams serving mouth-watering barbecue and vying for title of Grand Champion.
The 2019 inductees into the Hog of Fame were revealed during the annual “Awards Ceremony” on Saturday at the New Orleans Lakefront Arena Grounds. This year’s “Hog of Fame” inductees were Bart Bacigalupi, Mike Ruoss, Bryan Fitzpatrick, Megan Medo, Brad Gottsegen, Craig Brewer and Dustin Alonzo. Music headliners for the 2019 event included both Trampled By Turtles and Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real.
Preceding the big festival, “Hogs for the Cause” and Link Restaurant Group presented a London-themed “Patron Party” entitled “The Pigish Invasion.” On Thursday, March 28, Calcasieu on Tchoupitoulas Street was turned into “BuckingHAM Palace” for the occasion, and elaborate costumes were worn by all! In bright, colorful robes, “The Beatles” made their grand entrance to the festivities: Co-Founders Becker Hall and Rene Louapre, Chairman of the Board Zandy Rainold and Gary Solomon.
The Link Restaurant Group offered an array of “Pig’s Pub” snacks. British treats served included Scotch eggs, fish and chips and Yorkshire pudding. Cocktail offerings provided by Cure Co. included Pimm’s Cup and Old Fashioneds along with wine and beer provided by Southern Eagle, Diageo, Tito’s and Neat Wines.
At “Hogs for the Cause,” the 11th annual “Ben Sarrat, Jr. Cook-Off” featured over 90 teams this year. The High on the Hog Grand Champion this year was team Aporkalypse Now, and the Top Fundraising Team was awarded to Fleur De Que.
The festivities and barbecuing all supported “Hogs for the Cause,” which provides aid and relief of those variable expenses and economic burdens which families face while their child is being treated for pediatric brain cancer.
Event at a Glance
What: “Hogs for the Cause”
When: Thursday-Saturday, March 28-30
Where: UNO Lakefront
Claire Thriffiley, Stephen Stryjewski, Lindsay Louapre and Emery Sonnier
Chelsea Cusimano, Heather Lolley and Brittany Hall