Kings of Q adds whole-hog cook-off to BBQ event

AYDEN, N.C. (WNCT) — The Town of Ayden has several cooking teams firing up their barbecues for this weekend’s Kings of Q cooking competition. This marks seven years of the event, with new aspects in store for competitors.

Typically the event holds a “KCBS style contest,” which is an event sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society. It runs on a nationwide circuit where participants compete for titles. The KCBS cook-off is made up of four different meat categories, including pork, chicken, ribs and brisket.

This year a new category has been added for whole hog BBQ.

7th annual Kings of Q happening in Ayden on May 17-18

“We’re hoping to, again, just celebrate the rich heritage of BBQ here in Ayden. So, that should be pretty fun,” said Smith.

Barbecue sales are also part of this year’s changes to the event. On Saturday, attendees can buy sandwiches, plates or bulk barbecue from the participating teams starting at 11 a.m., while supplies last.

“It started in 2016 just as kind of a way to celebrate the heritage here. Our Kings of Q, of course, are the late Pete Jones and the late Bum Dennis,” said Smith.

Now the tradition continues to honor the families of the original Kings of Q.

“We geared the cook-offs and the festivals around both of those families, tTo support them and their legacies here,” said Smith.

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