41st annual Whole Hawg Days returns to Eufaula with rodeo, cook-off and big crowds

Eufaula’s biggest summer celebration is back.

The 41st Annual Whole Hawg Days kicks off Thursday with a rodeo and wraps up Saturday with the fan-favorite barbecue cook-off, drawing visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond.

Whole Hawg Days brings pork, boats, and big prizes to Eufaula

What began more than four decades ago as a cooking competition has grown into one of the state’s most anticipated summertime events.

“Forty-one years. That’s basically started out as a cooking competition,” said Eufaula Chamber of Commerce President Jay Hunn. “And it has continued on, it gets bigger and bigger, and we’ll have right around 26 cookers that come in, cook up some meat, and it’s all pork-related.”

The Oklahoma Pork Council sponsors the event, and organizers say everyone is invited to enjoy free pork sandwiches Saturday at 5 p.m.

More than just barbecue: rodeo, car show, arts and crafts

Whole Hawg Days offers much more than just barbecue. The weekend includes a rodeo, a large car show, arts and crafts booths, and a massive poker run on Lake Eufaula.

“We have about 500 boats,” Hunn said. “Somebody’s gonna get a check for about $18,000.”

The event continues to draw thousands of visitors and has become a major economic boost for the area.

“It’s the biggest tax revenue for the whole entire year is this weekend,” Hunn said. “Our businesses are full with people all day long, and Main Street is incredible.”

People’s Choice cook-off judging open to the public

Visitors are encouraged to take part in the barbecue competition by joining the People’s Choice Judging at the community center Saturday between 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

“They have it all lined up, all 26 of them,” Hunn said. “Everybody gets to test and taste, and we also do sides, and we also do desserts. The rule is it all has to be smoked in some way.”

Local pride, returning favorites, and Hambone the mascot

The beloved mascot “Hambone” is also back for this year’s event, helping draw attention to the unique spirit of the weekend. Local businesses line Main Street, food vendors stay busy, and families come to make memories.

“We have a ton of restaurants. So whatever you want, we got,” Hunn said.

News On 6’s own Lori Fullbright will appear in the parade, a favorite feature of the celebration.

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