We often say the ‘The Pig is Big’ when referring to the popularity of pork but what is even BIGGER were the crowds that turned out for the inaugural Porkapalooza BBQ Festival in Edmonton (June 14-15).
Crowd estimates of 25,000 plus showed up at Hawrelak Park to enjoy the great food, music and the smells of Southern BBQ ‘that were ‘Smokin Up The City’.

Twenty nine teams took part in this years inaugural festival, in 2015 organizers are hoping for 50 teams.
In addition to the great yummies the beverage tent had both cold beer and great entertainment.
The big winners at the inaugural Porkapalooza BBQ competition were Grand Champion ‘Prairie Smoke and Spice’ (Pilot Butte, SK) and the Reserve Grand Champion ‘House of Q’ (Surrey, BC).

The host of the Porkapalooza BBQ Festival was Danielle Dimovski (Diva Q) from the hit television show ‘BBQ Crawl’. Danielle cooked up some of her favourite pork recipes, made time for all who wanted to meet her and share their own BBQ stories. She was also spotted picking up garbage, getting water for BBQ teams, cleaning up and helping out wherever help was needed.

If you missed the Porkapalooza BBQ Festival this year there is always next year. Stay tuned!
Next year Alberta Pork hopes to expand on the idea by inviting local vendors to sell their pork products. •

Photos and details
complements of Alberta Pork