Smithfield Ham & Yam Festival, Smithfield, NC  May 5-6, 2007

Since its inception on April 15, 1989 the Johnston County Pig Cookin’ Contest has encountered more than its share of April showers. Over the years it has danced with different partners – first the Smithfield NC Ham and Yam Festival for several years, then the Benson Mule Days Celebration, a brief hiatus in 2001 and a return to Smithfield in 2002. Moving the Ham and Yam Festival into May helped the weather picture considerably. Present plans are for the contest to remain a part of the Ham and Yam Festival in Smithfield the first weekend of May each year. What this festival lacks in size compared to some of the larger festivals, it more than makes up for in good food and small town hospitality.

Cookers are scored based upon a variety of factors, one being culinary (blind and on-site) and another other being showmanship. The over-all winners are: (1) Joco BBQ (Stuart Allen), (2) Just 4 Fun (Danny Blackmon), (3) Carolina Pride (Linwood Norris), (4) Orange Blossom Special (Jerome Blackmon), (5) Stanley Steamers (Dennis Stanley), (6) Atkins Brothers (Danny Atkins), (7) Old Hickory (Roy Parker), (8) Salt & Pepper (Tommy Pike), (9) Barnyard Cookers (Charles Van Allen) and (10) Granny’s Pit Crew (Larry Snead).

1st Place Culinary Granny's Pit Crew