To those of who are Lexington natives, nothing in the world compares to Lexington barbecue. As the self-proclaimed “Barbecue Capital of the World,” Lexington’s biggest pride lies in our ability to produce the finest barbecue. It all began in 1919; a man named Sid Weaver began a small barbecue
restaurant that served pork barbecue in a tent outside of the courthouse. Today, there is over 20 barbecue restaurants in Lexington and the taste of Lexington barbecue has become world famous. ("Barbecue festival," 2012) The uniqueness of Lexington barbecue is often attributed to the “dip” or
sauce that it is basted and eaten with. Lexington barbecue“dip” is usually made from a ketchup and vinegar base which gives it a sweet and tangy flavor. This unique combination draws food lovers from miles around to Lexington for a taste. (Picture Below: barbecuefestival.com)
restaurant that served pork barbecue in a tent outside of the courthouse. Today, there is over 20 barbecue restaurants in Lexington and the taste of Lexington barbecue has become world famous. ("Barbecue festival," 2012) The uniqueness of Lexington barbecue is often attributed to the “dip” or
sauce that it is basted and eaten with. Lexington barbecue“dip” is usually made from a ketchup and vinegar base which gives it a sweet and tangy flavor. This unique combination draws food lovers from miles around to Lexington for a taste. (Picture Below: barbecuefestival.com)
The Barbecue Festival
In October of 1984, a local event organizer name Kay Saintsing was hired by BB&T and The-Dispatch of Lexington to organize a festival to celebrate Lexington Barbecue. ("Barbecue festival," 2012) Due to community support, the festival was a huge hit and began a long standing tradition.Residents of Lexington look forward to the Barbecue Festival each year and many people spend lots of time and effort organizing it. The Barbecue Festival is held in a 9 block square in the center of Main Street in Lexington. ("Barbecue festival," 2012) The area is closed off to traffic and exhibitors line the streets to sell unique merchandise. Barbecue is served out of three main tents that are spread throughout the festival. ("Barbecue festival," 2012) The first year of the festival there were 30,000 people in attendance. This year, for the 29th annual Barbecue Festival the city prepared for 160,000 people. Lexington has now named October “Barbecue Month.” Throughout the month many events are held to honor Lexington’s “world famous barbecue.” ("Barbecue festival," 2012) Events that are held include; the Tour de Pig-annual bicycle race, Pepsi “Pigtails”- writing competition, and a 5K “Hawg” run. ("Barbecue festival," 2012) There are also golf, soccer, and softball tournaments. ("Barbecue festival," 2012) The winners of each event receive a year supply of Pepsi. Each year the festival hires big name country singers to come and perform in the square. Past performers have included; Trisha Yearwood, Taylor Swift, Sara Evans, Justin Moore, and many others. The annual Barbecue Festival has been nationally recognized by Travel & Leisure Magazine as one of the “Top Ten Food Festivals in America.” ("Barbecue festival," 2012) The festival had also been named by USA Today as “One of Ten Great Places to Celebrate Food.” ("Barbecue festival," 2012) Today, the festival is still organized by a member of the Saintsing family. ("Barbecue festival," 2012)
