SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Pork Producers Association has launched their annual contest to spread awareness of the best pulled pork dishes in the state. Much like the NCAA March Madness system, IPPA created a “Pulled Pork Madness” tournament in 2019, comprised of voting from social media participants.
The polls were open in early March for suggestions of the best places to find pulled pork across the state. Of the 226 nominations, 16 establishments with the most votes to their name have been loaded into a bracket.
Each week leading up to April 12, votes will be taken to advance the favorites into the Elite 8, Final 4, and then the Championship Round. You can participate by finding the voting link on IPPA social media channels or ilpork.com. Voting of the sweet 16 ends March 21 at midnight.
The bracket consists of the following businesses:
- 3 Headed Monster BBQ – Shannon
- Annie’s Eats – Bloomington
- Big Catz BBQ – Knoxville
- Deep South BBQ – McLeansboro
- JV’s – Waterloo
- Li’l Willy’s BBQ – Springfield
- Lil Smoked – Dixon
- My Buddy’s – Jacksonville
- Notorious P.I.G – Decatur
- Pauly’s BBQ – Arthur
- Richard’s Farm Restaurant – Casey
- Rooster’s Market – Marshall
- Smoked on 3rd – Sterling
- Smokin Pig BBQ – Olney
- The Hangout Bar & Grill – Jacksonville
- Triple P BBQ – Rock Falls
The champion of “Pulled Pork Madness” will be awarded a custom trophy from Curtin’s Creations and a $250 check. Winner will be announced on April 12.
“Pulled Pork Madness is a friendly competition to promote pulled pork dishes and our quality pork product,” says Alan Kollmann, IPPA President. “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 their social media channels to stay up to date with pork industry news, recipes, and cooking tutorials.
— Illinois Pork Producers Association
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