The N.C. Pork Council’s whole hog barbecue competitive series, which culminates in a state championship, has a rich history, and draws 130,000 event attendees annually, never earned the media or public attention it deserved.
Eckel & Vaughan worked with the N.C. Pork Council, the City of Raleigh, and the International Bluegrass Music Association to develop a unique solution that put barbecue on the center stage in a major downtown event, and elevated the historic, competitive series as a whole.
Read our latest case study to learn how we approached the problem and developed this incredible partnership.

After the judging was complete, the barbecue was donated to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle, who sold 4,000 sandwiches and raised more than $21,000 in a matter of hours.

Fans of bluegrass and barbecue unite on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh.