After delays and cancellations last year in the aftermath of Hurricane Florence and local politics, Hillsborough’s Hog Day Festival is returning this Friday and Saturday, September 21 and 22, to continue a grand 37-year local tradition of pig pickin’ and neighborhood celebration.

Hillsborough’s Hog Day Festival has been held annually for almost four decades, and as such claims the title of Orange County’s oldest – and possibly largest – currently running festival. Organized by the Orange County Optimist Club, the event includes a Homecoming event on Friday night, classic car show, 5k run, live music, activities, arts, crafts and – of course – the requisite BBQ cook-off between 27 teams and over 100 vendors serving up a collective three tons of barbecue, according to event organizers.

In a press release, the Orange County Optimist Club has also stated that its “goal from day one with its 100% volunteer lead festival was to raise funds for children’s programs and services.” Proceeds from the festival will be going to support local charities, and a “Pigs on Parade” event will be held to encourage contributions to the National Optimist Hurricane Relief Fund.

Hog Day is being held in downtown Hillsborough at the Riverpark, located at 120 East Margaret Lane.

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