Hogs For The Cause Kicks Off With Food, Music, And Mission

2 weeks ago

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Hogs for nan Cause is backmost pinch its trademark blend of barbecue, community, and compassion.

Gates unfastened Friday astatine 3:30 p.m. astatine nan UNO Lakefront Arena, kicking disconnected 2 days of smoked meats, music, and a ngo to thief families facing pediatric cancer.

Founded pinch a azygous pig and a fewer kegs successful 2009, nan show has since raised much than $12 cardinal successful grants to families and infirmary programs crossed nan country.

Now successful its 17th year, Hogs for nan Cause draws dozens of cooking teams and thousands of visitors agreed by nan extremity of supporting children successful aesculapian crisis.

“We started pinch 1 pig, 3 kegs of brew and $7,500 for 1 family,” said co-founder Rene Louapre. “Today, we’ve helped complete 2,200 families, opened pediatric lodging successful aggregate states, and we’re conscionable getting started.”

More than 90 barbecue teams are competing this twelvemonth successful categories for illustration wings, ribs, pork shoulder, and nan coveted “best butt.” Teams for illustration Hog Jammin’ and Pig Lebowski serving up everything from gumbo shooters and pork-filled ovum rolls to alligator stuffed pinch boudin and pick cheese—perfect for those watching Lent.

Organizers opportunity Friday nighttime is 1 of nan champion times to attend, pinch music, food, and nan fan-favorite bacon and helping night.

Headliner Stephen Wilson Jr. had to cancel owed to a family emergency, but acts for illustration Hotel Burgundy will measurement successful to support nan statement going. After-hours DJ sets and team-hosted shelter parties person go a Friday nighttime tradition.

Hogs for nan Cause besides offers Lenten-friendly options for attendees avoiding meat, including shrimp and crawfish dishes.

Festivalgoers tin feast connected truffle fries topped pinch crawfish Monica sauce, pulled pork, aliases moreover Spam burnt ends.

“It’s astir fun, but much importantly, it’s astir nan cause,” said 1 squad member. “All of nan money we raise goes straight to families who request it.”

Dr. Eric Griggs, a section wellness advocator and predominant festival-goer, reminded attendees to hydrate, deterioration sunscreen, and equilibrium indulgence pinch moderation.

“One drink, 1 water, and eat something,” Griggs said. “It’s each astir patient hogging.”

Festival organizers dream to raise $5 cardinal this twelvemonth alone. The effect of that backing is visible done Hogs Houses—temporary lodging accommodation for families whose children are undergoing curen for encephalon cancer. There are already Hogs Houses successful New Orleans and Baton Rouge, pinch different group to unfastened successful St. Petersburg, Florida.

Hogs for nan Cause continues done Saturday astatine nan UNO Lakefront. Gates unfastened astatine 3:30 p.m. Friday and noon connected Saturday, pinch unrecorded performances, cooking competitions, and more.

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