Poor Piggy’s BBQ and Catering will be the only locals serving up barbecue this weekend at the third annual Cricket Wireless Port City RibFest at North Waterfront Park.
 
The festival, a celebration of BBQ and music, will be the first event to be held at the city’s new park space.
 
Poor Piggy’s owner Ed Coulbourn is set to compete against pit masters from across the country. Since claiming the coveted People’s Choice Award at last year’s event, Coulbourn and his cooks earned First Place Overall in the Berea National Rib-Off in Berea, Ohio and the People’s Choice Award at the Twin City RibFest in Winston-Salem earlier this summer.
 
“Although the festivals are very labor intensive, we’ve added a couple more to our circuit this year,” Coulbourn said.
 
He plans to take part in the East West BBQ Fest in Greensboro later this month and then travel to Ontario, Canada for another competition. He says his favorite part of the competition is the cooking.
 
“It’s a lot of work that goes into preparing for festivals,” Coulbourn said. “Lots of ordering, organizing and set up has to take place before you can get to the cooking.”
 
Poor Piggy’s will be serving pulled pork barbecue, brisket and ribs as well as smoked chicken and sausage alongside cole slaw, baked beans and hushpuppies. Coulbourn says what sets his barbecue apart from others is the use of a secret dry rub and a signature honey glaze that’s brushed on just before serving.
 
Music from several Wilmington performers such as The Midatlantic and the Justin Cody Trio will take place throughout the weekend.
 
“There is a lot of good talent here, and we want to do our part to showcase them,” said promoter Allen McDavid. Rounding out the festival is a marketplace and kid’s zone, as well as The Shadow Players who will entertain the crowd with pirate antics.
 
The 2015 Cricket Wireless Port City RibFest dates are Aug. 14-16, and the event will run 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday and noon-6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 for adults and  $1 for children. A special admission of $1 for everyone is available on Friday between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

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