Lexington Barbecue Festival

Lexington Barbecue Festival is an annual food festival held in Lexington, North Carolina, United States. The festival celebrates the culinary tradition of barbecue, specifically Lexington-style barbecue, which is a style of cooking pork shoulder over hickory wood and serving it with a vinegar-based sauce.

History

The Lexington Barbecue Festival was first held in 1984. The idea for the festival was conceived by Joe Sink, a former publisher of The Dispatch, and three local businessmen: Kay Saintsing, Speedy Lohr, and Wayne Monk. The festival was initially intended to draw attention to Lexington's barbecue restaurants, which are a significant part of the city's culture and economy.

Event

The Lexington Barbecue Festival takes place on the last Saturday in October. The festival features a variety of events, including a barbecue cook-off, live music, arts and crafts exhibits, and a car show. The main attraction, however, is the barbecue itself. Numerous local restaurants and vendors participate in the festival, serving up thousands of pounds of Lexington-style barbecue to attendees.

Recognition

The Lexington Barbecue Festival has received national recognition for its celebration of barbecue culture. In 2012, it was named one of the "Top 20 Events" by the Southeast Tourism Society. The festival has also been featured in various media outlets, including USA Today and Southern Living magazine.

Impact

The Lexington Barbecue Festival has a significant impact on the local economy. It attracts over 100,000 visitors each year, generating millions of dollars in revenue. The festival also promotes Lexington's barbecue industry, contributing to the city's reputation as the "Barbecue Capital of the World".

See also

• List of food festivals
• Barbecue in the United States
• Culture of North Carolina