LushAcres Farm and Market Barbecue Showdown to Benefit Thornwell
July 1, 2026
LushAcres Farm and Market will host its first Backyard Barbecue Showdown on Aug. 1, pitting amateur pitmasters against one another for cash prizes, bragging rights and the title of backyard barbecue champion, with all proceeds supporting Thornwell.
The competition runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Teams will fire up their smokers for a day of pulled pork and open-air competition, with entries scored by an official judging panel and sampled by the public.
Thornwell serves children and families across South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, and organizers said all proceeds from the event will go toward its programs.
The showdown is open to amateur cooks and small teams of up to four people. The entry fee is $200 per team, and all entries must be submitted by July 15. Organizers said at least 10 teams are needed to hold the event. Each team will receive two pork butts provided by LushAcres at check-in, and only those may be used for the competition entry.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three teams based on judges’ scores, calculated as a percentage of entry fees. Assuming a minimum of 10 teams, first place will receive 50 percent of the pool with a $1,000 minimum, second place 25 percent with a $500 minimum and third place 10 percent with a $200 minimum. A separate People’s Choice award, voted on by ticket holders, will be presented as a non-cash honor.
Judges will score entries on appearance, taste and tenderness using a 1 to 10 scale. Categories weigh color, neatness and moisture for presentation, the balance of smoke, rub, sauce and natural pork flavor for taste, and texture for tenderness.
There is no gate fee for the public. Tasting tickets will be available for $10 and include 10 tickets to sample the competitors’ barbecue, a vote ticket and an opportunity to win during the awards ceremony through a series of drawings. Gates open to the public at 11 a.m., and the awards ceremony and raffle drawings are set for 3 p.m.
Registration and event details are available at lushacresfarm.com/bbq-showdown.
