Smoke on the Water

The Washington Noon Rotary along with Nutrien and Smithfield will host the 26th Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ and Chili Festival on October 18th and 19th. Festivities will take place along the beautiful Pamlico River, in downtown Washington, North Carolina. Some of the best pig cookers from across the state will participate in the THREE BBQ contests held at Smoke on the Water, the Smoke on the Water competition, the STATE finals for those who cook in the Traditional method using charcoal or wood and this year we are happy to announce the addition of the North Carolina Pork Council’s Whole Hog Barbecue Championship.

Festivities kick off Friday night with the Annual Pig & Costume Parade at 5 p.m. followed by a Friday night concert by The Embers featuring Craig Woolard. Cookers arrive on Friday and cook all night to deliver the best pig possible which will be judged beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday. After judging, the pigs are brought to a tent, chopped and then sandwiches and tailgate packages are sold to the public. Smoke on the Water attracts travelers from all across the state and beyond because of its scenic location. An estimated 25-30,000 people will visit the little town of Washington that weekend.

Festival hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and events include a beer garden, a car show, a special Kids Zone, train ride, arts and crafts vendors, and live music by the Patriots Band. The Kids Zone will feature activities for the kids, bounce houses, a train ride and more. All amusement rides are free of charge for the little ones to enjoy. A Motorcycle Ride by the Iron Order to Benefit the Humane Society takes off on Saturday morning as well. For more information, visit on line at smokeonthewater.info or call 252-944-6136.

The Smoke on the Water festival is one of the Washington Noon Rotary’s major annual fundraisers carrying a great impact on the local community in areas of retail and tourism. But the best thing about Smoke on the Water is that all proceeds are given to local non-profit groups like the Boys and Girls Club, Open Door (Women and Children Shelter), Young Life, Ruth’s House (Women’s Shelter), the Cancer Center, P.A.L., Eagles Wings (Food Bank), Zion Homeless Shelter, WHS Jr. ROTC, Little Washington Sailing School, Bright Futures, Boys Scouts, Purpose of God Annex, Beaufort Hyde Partnership for Children, Toys for Tots and many more.

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