Pork and music, what a great way to spend Father’s Day weekend. The 3rd annual Porkapalooza was held recently in Edmonton. As their slogan says “A Big Meat Up,” with 32 food vendors on site featuring one hundred per cent BBQ, how could you not have fun and leave with a full belly. Throw in an afternoon CFL game, food demonstrations, kid’s zone plus local entertainment stage too.

In a brief phone interview with Darcy Fitzgerald, executive director of Alberta Pork following the third annual Porkapalooza he shared these comments.

“Over the course of the three day event we had over 55,000 people come through the gate. At this time there is a plan for the fourth annual and we hope to keep the festival on the Father’s Day weekend. It is a great way to show people what a true BBQ is, and that it takes time. This installment of Porkapalooza has been the largest thus far with 42 BBQ teams and more already interested for next year. In addition there were 32 food vendors on site.”

Porkapalooza was the brain child of Darcy along with members of Alberta Pork as a way to bring awareness to city people in Edmonton a true BBQ. Porkapalooza is a genuine Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned event. As Darcy adds “Alberta is a meat Province, so let’s celebrate it.”

On the Sunday the four mandatory categories for the BBQ competition were beef brisket, chicken, pork ribs and pork butt. The grand champions were Scott & Giselle Chomos from White City, SK.

Although plans have not yet started for next year’s event Darcy mentioned that they were all very pleased with this year’s event. This is a great way for Alberta Pork to work on the mandate of helping end hunger with various charities.

The Passion for Pork Food stage was also a hit, food demonstrations throughout the weekend from butchering to various chefs sharing their secrets of their best recipes.

An exciting addition to this year’s festival was the concert series, working in conjunction with the Rotary club. All donations are going to the Ft McMurray Concert of Hope. Canadian bands from country to rock and in between took part.

Darcy said they, Alberta Pork, could not have done this without the sponsors and volunteers. From the meat suppliers, to the trailers, to the golf carts to the radio stations just to name a few.

You can find more details on this year’s festival and information on future events at porkapalooza.ca •

— PHC Staff