The 24th Annual Hog Happnin', supported by the Cleveland County Home Builders Association, will take place on November 6-7, 2015 at the Cleveland County Fairgrounds. This charity event features barbecue competitions, a classic car and cycle show, arts and crafts vendors, kids zone games and inflatables, a circus, the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department Canine Unit, a corn hole competition, beach bingo, and a performing arts stage. These activities are available by purchasing a $5 armband.
Returning for the second year is "Simply Samplin'" at 2 p.m. on Saturday. This event allows ticket holders to taste and vote on samples from the competition barbecue teams. Advance tickets for "Simply Samplin'" are $10 and are available by calling 704-484-2558. Any of the limited-number tickets not sold prior to Nov. 6 can be purchased at the merchandise sales tent.
Barbecue and other festival food will be available from vendors beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday. For those who can't attend the event, a barbecue drive-thru will allow purchase of pork barbecue plates and a drink for $10.
The cook-off is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society, says Jerry Gardner, BBQ event director. "KCBS rules will be followed in choosing our winners and Grand Champion." Teams will be competing in the standard KCBS categories of chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket. A trophy goes to each first-place winner, and cash prizes will be awarded through tenth place. The barbecue awards program will be 4 p.m. Saturday.
Visit www.hoghappnin.com/2009schedule.htm for a complete schedule.
For more information about the event, visit www.hoghappnin.com or go to "Hog Happnin'"on Facebook.

By APRIL HOYLE SHAUF
Special to Shelby Shopper

Photos by Steve Gardner