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House of Raeford Farms recently brought our flavor and community spirit to Vienna, Georgia on November 1 – 2, at the renowned Big Pig Jig, an annual event that has become a beloved tradition in the area. As a newcomer, having recently opened our new chicken production operation in Vienna and Oglethorpe, GA, House of Raeford jumped right in to support one of the community’s largest and longest running events.
Ryan Hutto, Live Production Manager & Kevin Tierce, Live Haul Manager, Prepping Ribs
BIG PIG JIG® was born when a group of self-professed gourmets made wagers on who among them could cook the most succulent pig! That year, 1982, those creative people recommended combining a barbecue cooking competition – the official Georgia Barbecue Cooking Championship – with an established and well-attended arts and crafts fair and the county’s livestock association annual hog show.
L – R: Kevin Tierce, Slicing Entry; Jasmine Pringle; Evelyn Lester
The contest draws approximately one hundred teams from all over the U. S. cooking nearly four hundred entries of hogs, shoulders, ribs, plus kettles of Brunswick stew, barbecue sauce, and barbecued chicken. With the sounds of country music drifting over the site and the savory smell of barbeque coming from the massive cookers, this was the place to be for scores of spectators on a warm fall weekend.
Sheena Jones, Vienna Human Resources Manager, Greeting Trick or Treaters
Taking off on the popular animated Disney film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, House of Raeford decorated our two-story display building following the festival theme of “The Nightmare before PIG-mas” on the heels of Halloween. Our barbeque cooking team known as the “Fowl Play Chefs” submitted entries in the Pulled Pork, Ribs, and Chicken categories and garnered a top twenty finish for their succulent Ribs. In addition, Fowl Play earned first-place in the Beverage competition.
First Place Trophy, Beverage Competition
“The Big Pig Jig is obviously a highlight of the year, and it was great for House of Raeford to join in the fun,” commented House of Raeford executive Nicole Reynolds.
House of Raeford Vienna & Oglethorpe Employees
The “Fowl Play Smokehouse” was also a wonderful place for House of Raeford employees to gather during the festival and enjoy fresh-cooked BBQ chicken sandwiches and other goodies while spending a relaxing time with co-workers. It was also an opportunity to mingle with local citizens and introduce our company to the neighborhood.
Jeff Hargrove, Vienna Environmental Manager, Grills Up Mouthwatering Chicken
Lamar Wilson, Vienna Plant Manager, Enjoys Chicken Sandwich
House of Raeford’s commitment to the communities in which we have operations has always been a mission for our Company owners from the Johnson and Beasley families. We hope to establish the same positive relationships in the Dooly and Macon County areas. With such a successful debut, House of Raeford looks forward to many more years of delicious competition and community bonding at the Big Pig Jig and is already planning exciting new ways to participate next year.