Despite what the name might imply, the fourth annual Masonic Carolina Pig Jig is not a dance contest for pigs; it is a barbecue cook-off hosted by the Masonic organizations of North Carolina. The Pig Jig will be coming to the Got to Be NC Festival at the State Fairgrounds Saturday, May 30.

Barbecued pork and chicken will be available to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets for all-you-can-eat barbecue are $10 for adults; children under 12 eat free. All proceeds will benefit the Masonic Home for Children and the Central Children’s Home, both in Oxford.

Fifteen teams representing both the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons under Grand Lodge and the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons will battle it out to see whose barbecue is the best. This year’s Pig Jig is significant because it will be the largest fund-raising collaboration in the history of the two Masonic organizations.

“We’re proud to be a part of this year’s Got to Be NC Festival, and we’re excited about the opportunity to raise money for our children’s homes,” said Mike Sterling, event coordinator for the Pig Jig. “We look forward to this event each year, and there are definitely some bragging rights on the line.”

Various trophies will be handed out after the competition, including the People’s Choice award, determined by the public, and the Pig Jig Cup, given to the grand champion chosen by a panel of expert and celebrity judges. The Pig Jig Cup will travel back to the winning organization’s lodge, where it will remain until next year’s competition.

The Got to Be NC festival will be presented by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Kerr Drugs May 29-31. It will feature 1,000 pieces of antique farm equipment, a carnival, live music and children’s activities each day, plus a draft horse pull and classic car show on Friday; a tractor pull and Harley-Davidson motorcycle show on Saturday; and lawnmower races on Sunday.

Festival hours are 9 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday. Admission and parking for the festival are free. There is a fee for grandstand events. For more information, go online to www.ncagfest.com.