Two Carolina RailHawks fans were given the chance to faceoff against Hibernian Pub’s Chef Dan and Backyard Bistro’s Chef Joe at the RailHawks Inaugural Pig Pickin’ Festival last Saturday before the team’s win against the Minnesota Stars. JP Murcia and Josh Lamb where chosen as the fan contestant winners who would compete against Chef Dan and Chef Joe. The Pig Pickin’ crowd of over 500 voted the best tasting BBQ between the four entrants. Murcia and Lamb shared the title after receiving an equal amount of votes.
The event consisted of BBQ, beer and live music. RA Jeffreys provided a variety of Budweiser and Lone Rider beer options while fans listened to live music from the band, GB4.
The North Carolina Pork Council donated the pork for the event, with proceeds going towards thefoodeffect.org and Spread Your Wings Charity. Thefoodeffect.org helps lead the fight against hunger in North Carolina, where 1 out of 5 children go hungry. The Spread Your Wings Charity is the charitable arm of the RailHawks that helps teach children the importance of healthy living and being active.
The day’s Pig Pickin’ event concluded at halftime when RailHawks President Curt Johnson presented the winner’s trophy to Lamb and Murcia, and honored local BBQ legend Pitmaster Ed “Big Ed” Mitchell in front of the RailHawks faithful.
Both fan contestant winners received a VIP package, including RailHawks merchandise, suite tickets to the August 4th match, and on-field access during the RailHawks warmup.
Stay tuned to CarolinaRailHawks.com for more exciting events and next year’s Pig Pickin’ Festival.
| TEAM | PTS | GP | W | T | L | GD |
| Carolina RailHawks | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | 11 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
| Atlanta Silverbacks | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Minnesota United FC | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| FC Edmonton | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| San Antonio Scorpions | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -4 |
| Fort Lauderdale Strikers | 4 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -6 |
