ARTHUR, ILL. – The Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) launched a new contest on Facebook to bring awareness to the best pulled pork sandwiches in the state. Much like the NCAA March Madness system, IPPA created a “Pulled Pork Madness” bracket, comprised of votes from social media followers.
The polls were open in early March for suggestions of the best places to eat a pulled pork sandwich. Of the 300 suggestions, 16 establishments with the most votes to their name were loaded into a bracket. Each week in March votes were taken to advance the favorites into the Elite 8, Final 4, and then the Championship Round.
Pauly’s BBQ was voted the best pulled pork sandwich! Located in Arthur, Ill., what started as a BBQ hobby quickly became a passion for BBQ connoisseurs Paul and Sarah Kuhns. Their Pulled Pork Sandwich is a crowd favorite.
The champion of “Pulled Pork Madness” was awarded a custom trophy from Curtin’s Creations and a $250 check, on location with local pig farmers, Phil and Pat Titus.
“Pulled Pork Madness is a friendly competition to promote the pulled pork sandwich,” says Kelsey Burgener, project coordinator for IPPA. “The bracket would not have been possible without all the nominations from social media followers and pig farmers alike.”
IPPA plans to continue the bracket challenge annually, highlighting a different pork product each year. Be sure to follow IPPA on Facebook to stay up to date with pork industry news, recipes and cooking tutorials.
— Illinois Pork Producers Association
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