The heart and soul of the Down East Festival is the cook-off event. Formerly called Pignatious, the BBQ cook-off has had 12 successful years. This year at the festival will mark the inaugural cook-off event called the Eastern Carolina BBQ Throw Down. It is an official North Carolina State Barbecue Championship, and is a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition. It is sponsored by the Rocky Mount Parks & Recreation - Special Events Division.

The event is a professional cooking competition based on KCBS categories (chicken, pork ribs, pork & beef brisket). Awards include Grand Champion, Reserved Grand Champion, and Showmanship Award. Cash awards, trophies and plaques awarded up to 5th place in each category. There will be over 45 opportunities to win.

KCBS representatives will be present and judging starts at noon on Saturday, October 11, using the blind judging technique. The cookoff will be held on October 10 & 11 as a part of the Kick Off Party including the Kick Off Concert featuring Restless Heart held in downtown Rocky Mount. There will be plenty of delicious food & beverages and great entertainment. A party you do not want to miss. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and come have some fun with your friends and neighbors.

Also, Gardner's Barbecue, serving local eastern North Carolina style barbecue, will have barbecue for sale on Friday, October 10th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. There will be a dining tent and plenty of delicious food for everyone to enjoy.

Cook Teams & Judges - If you are interested in participating in the barbecue cookoff, fill out and turn in application. See information below.

   Participant Information & Forms

• KCBS Certified Barbecue Judges Class
• KCBS Certified Table Captain Class
• 2008 Rules and Regulations
• BBQ Thrown Down Sponsorship Information
• Professional BBQ Cook Teams Application & Information
• Judges Application Form
• Vendor Application

   General BBQ Information

• 2008 BBQ Throw Down Winners  
• BBQ Throw Down Schedule
• BBQ Throw Down Awards
• 2008 BBQ Throw Down Cook Teams