Holy Smokes takes top prize at Pig in the Park

Holy Smokes won first place in chicken, second place in pork and third place in ribs on its way to being crowned the grand champion of the Pig in the Park competition.

Gary and Dionn Lanton, owners for Holy Smokes, are not new to competitions like the one held at Market on Madison last weekend. This year though, it was their son Lincoln who wanted to be a part of this annual competition.

“It feels good to be holding this big trophy,” Lincoln said. “I haven’t gone to a barbecue competition in a while. I liked the competition.” 

Gary said they did a cooking competition last year. 

“He said, ‘Dad, if I am ever going to have a Holy Smokes of my own, I want to learn to do competition barbecue,’” Gary said. “This is him coming out and cutting his teeth.”

Others placing in chicken were Fat Daddy P’s (second), Smokin’ Gunz (third), Smoke St BBQ (fourth), Grilling and Chilling (fifth), Brantley Boys BBQ (sixth), Pigs Cooking Pork (seventh) and Morris Bank BlueQue Crew (eighth). 

In the ribs contest, Jet Foods took home the top prize. 

“This is the first time I have ever cooked anything for a competition,” said Jet Foods team leader Rich Dailey. “This is unbelievable. It is a really big competition. I was just doing this for fun and to support the Downtown Development Authority and this event. I had no expectations whatsoever.” 

Others placing in ribs were Smith Custom Homes Lowery Cooking Crew (second), Holy Smokes (third), Morris Bank BlueQue Crew (fourth), Smokin’ Gunz (fifth), Sweet Lips (sixth), Fat Daddy’s P (seventh) and Real South BBQ (eighth).

In the pulled pork contest, Morris Bank BlueQue Crew won first. “We’re honored to receive some awards,” said Bucky Dixon, representing the team. “It was hard work. We were very fortunate again with our cooking. We had a good time. We tried something new and it worked. I’m just thankful for that.”  

Others placing in pulled pork were Holy Smokes (second), Dexter Meat (third), Smith Custom Homes (fourth), Fat Daddy’s P (fifth), Dublin Fire Department (sixth), Bank of Dudley Crews Brothers (seventh) and Well Spring Baptist Church (eighth).

Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Glenda Berry thanked the sponsors of the event and for all of the teams who participated.

“This is always a fun local competition,” Dixon said. “We appreciate the Downtown Development Authority for putting it on each year.”

The Lanton’s looked forward to placing their four new trophies in their restaurant. 

“To me, this competition is about the community,” Gary said. “Barbecue is the ultimate community building food. Just to see all of the people in Dublin come out is my favorite part of this. It is good to be outside and breaking in the St. Patrick’s Festival. We had a good time. We enjoyed it.”