The Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ and Blues Festival was always fundraising effort for the Greater Zephyrhills Chamber of Commerce to pay it forward.
They made that payment Tuesday night when they honored the event sponsors and the dozens of volunteers who made the event an overwhelming success.
The volunteer organizations honored were Arts in Motion, East Pasco YMCA, Zephyrhills Elks Club, Metro Min @ Restored Hope, Pasco County Jeep Unit, Whistling Oaks Therapeutic Ranch, Zephyrhills High School JROTC, Zephyrhills/Wesley Chapel Ministerial Association, Zephyrhills Museum of Military History, Zephyrhills High School National Honor Society and Zephyrhills Noon Rotary Club.
Chamber CEO Melonie Monson praised the work of the volunteers and the generosity of the sponsors to make the 12th annual two-day event go on without a hitch to raise funds for the Chamber’s scholarship program that provides scholarships for six graduating seniors at ZHS. The proceeds also help fund the Chamber’s Student of the Month program.
Monson reported that roughly 4,000 people attended this year’s event. There were 56 barbecue teams competing. She noted there were 75 judges, 62 exhibitors, 46 sponsors 32 committee leads and 80 volunteers.
“It was a great party out there,” Monson said. “We had fun and we did really well. I want to thank you guys. Without you, we can’t do this.
“When I look around this room I’m proud. This room represents what this community all about and why I’m glad to be here celebrating you guys.”
Monson said the event is a huge economic boost to the community.
“After the last two years, we needed it,” Monson said.