Our 3rd annual Sip & Swine BBQ Festival is almost here – there’s only a week left to go! It’s hard to believe that it’s been two years since the first Sip & Swine, but we’re ready for this year’s festival.
Coolray Field in Gwinnett County will be host to thousands of barbeque and beer lovers alike on March 2nd and March 3rd. These barbecue fans will come together to both sample delicious barbecue and raise funds for a very worthy cause. Sip & Swine is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) and features a friendly barbecue competition with more than 80 professional and amateur teams (nicknamed “backyard” teams.) There will also be an abundance of food vendors, so even if you or someone in your family isn’t a barbecue fan you’ll be able to find something tasty. In addition to food and craft vendors, there will be dozens of craft vendors. And we’ll also have live music throughout the event.
Just like in years past, all proceeds for the event will go to the Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter, which is a local nonprofit that is dedicated to providing services and a home for homeless children and their young mothers. They also help young women who age out of the foster system when they turn 18. By helping the mothers create customized “life plans”, Home of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter helps the moms gain independence and the children gain hope. In the past two years combined, we’ve raised more than $110,000 for the Hope of Hope at Gwinnett Children’s Shelter.
And this year, our goal is to break both our fundraising and attendance records!
We’ve got free parking and admission, so most of the funds will come from our sponsors, our barbeque competition team fees, and the People’s Choice Judging. In the People’s Choice competition, Taster Kits will be sold for $10 on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Taster Kits have nine samples of barbecue from different teams, so attendees can vote for their favorite barbecue and support the Home of Hope @ Gwinnett Children’s Shelter at the same time. (100% of the proceeds from Taster Kits go to the nonprofit.) As far as the competition goes, we’ve got four different categories of barbecue – Chicken, Pork Ribs, Pork, and Beef Brisket (although only the Pro teams will compete in the Beef Brisket category.)
Here’s a brief overview of the schedule for Sip & Swine 2018. You can also view a full schedule for more details.
Friday, March 2 – Festival Open to the Public 3p.m. – 10 p.m.
- Vendor Village opens with food trucks and over 50 craft vendors selling everything from barbecue sauces and accessories to custom artwork and handcrafted jewelry
- Scott Brantley live performance from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday, March 3 – Festival Open to the Public 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Vendor Village opens with food trucks and over 50 craft vendors selling everything from barbecue sauces and accessories to custom artwork and handcrafted jewelry
- Jonathan Ingram performance 11 a.m. – noon
- People’s Choice Judging from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Pickup Line live performance from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.
- Chainsaw Hunnie live performance from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Georgia Red Clay performance 3:45 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- Awards Ceremony for BBQ Competition Winners 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Where is the event?*
Coolray Field
2500 Buford Dr. NE
Lawrenceville GA 30043
*Parking and admission are both free