The Well Outreach's annual Whole Hog Festival returns to Spring Hill on Saturday, Oct. 17, with a new barbecue competition and record demand at its food pantries.

The 21st annual John Maher Builders Whole Hog Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at historic Oaklawn Mansion. The nonprofit's food pantries served 2,700 families in September, the highest monthly total in its 20-year history, as first reported by the Williamson Herald.

That number has climbed steeply. Six years ago, The Well Outreach served about 200 families per month, CEO Shelly Sassen told the Herald. The organization now estimates it will serve more than 28,000 families this year through its pantries in Spring Hill and Mount Pleasant.

"It's the largest community event for the city of Spring Hill, and it benefits The Well Outreach food ministry," Sassen said.

New this year is a pitmasters tasting experience from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Eight regional and national barbecue pitmasters will compete in a whole-hog cook-off. Attendees can sample the barbecue and vote for a People's Choice Award.

The festival started as the Country Ham Festival and served as a fundraiser for multiple local nonprofits before becoming an exclusive Well Outreach event in 2019. Attendance has grown from about 500 in its early years to more than 5,000 last year, according to Sassen.

Beyond the cook-off, the grounds will feature up to 40 craft vendors, food trucks, a petting zoo, a children's aerial circus, a foam pit, inflatables and about 20 activity booths. Live music runs all day, with acts including King Cotton, Billy Droze, Brother Maven, Indigo Roots Band and Herrick Band. A hog-calling contest and a bacon-eating contest fill the breaks. The day closes with a worship hour featuring The Belonging Co. Worship Team from 4 to 5 p.m.

Putting the festival together takes more than 200 volunteers, about 30 staff members and support from local businesses, churches and civic groups. The Well Outreach also runs a hydroponic farming operation that produces about 1,000 servings of fresh lettuce each month for its pantry clients.

Parking is free. Access is off Denning Lane. More information is available at thewelloutreach.org/whole-hog-festival.

Upcoming community events:

  • Saturday, Oct. 17: Whole Hog Festival, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Oaklawn Mansion, Spring Hill