The smells of barbecue were thick on Stewart Parkway this past weekend, as the 22nd annual Smoke on the Water festival drew thousands of people to downtown Washington. In the process, the festival brought in more than $30,000 in business, all of which will be used to benefit local nonprofits.

In total, the festival consisted of more than two tons of pork, coming from 45 whole hogs, each averaging 125 pounds. Add to that 640 pints of coleslaw, gallons upon gallons of barbecue sauce and an assortment of chilies, and the event was a veritable smorgasbord of flavors.

Organized by the Washington (Noon) Rotary Club, proceeds from the festival stay within the community, benefiting local nonprofits ranging from Eagle’s Wings Food Pantry to the Little Washington Sailing School. Crossing the $30,000 mark, this year’s event exceeded the income of past years by a considerable margin. On average, the event has brought in around $20,000 each year for the past few years.

Bringing in some of the top pig cookers from across the state, the event was judged by a panel of North Carolina Pork Council Master Barbecue Judges. A group made up of art and media personalities judged the chili cook off.

For the top contestants, the winnings came in the form of cash prizes, larger-than-life trophies and bragging rights that will last at lease until next year’s completion. Winners of the 2019 Smoke on the Water contests included:

Traditional State Championship Barbecue Contest

• First place — Ryan Murphy, Ring of Fire,
• Second place — Phillip Weeks, Late Night Porkin’
• Third place — Evan Woolard, Millhole Barbeque
• Fourth place — Charlie Meeks, Captain Charlie’s Cooks

Gas Grill Barbecue Contest

• First place — Chris Fineran, Beach Boys BBQ,
• Second place — Jason Williamson, Creekside BBQ
• Third place — D.J. Stox, Bullpen Barbecue
• Fourth place — Kevin Wooten, Pickin’ and Grillin’

Chili Contest

• First place — John Waters
• Second place — Stephen Fuchs
• Third place — Tracey Robinson
• Fourth Place — Keith Kidwell

Scott Williams took home the Showmanship Award.

Next year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 16-17. Anyone interested participating in the 2020 Smoke on the Water contest can contact Pamela Anderson at pamsue.anderson@gmail.com.