ABOUT SOTW

About Us

The Noon Rotary Club in Washington, NC will host the 22st Annual Smoke on the Water BBQ and Chili Contest on October 16th and 17th. Festivities will take place along the beautiful Pamlico River, in downtown Washington, North Carolina. Some of the best pig cookers from across the state participate making this contest one of the best! This year there will be two separate contests, one for gas cookers and the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP for traditional cooking with wood or charcoal. And Smoke on the Water attracts travelers from all across the state because of its scenic location. An estimated 25-30,000 people will visit the little town of Washington that weekend.

The Smoke on the Water festival is one of the Washington Noon Rotary’s major annual fundraisers carrying a great impact on the local community in areas of retail and tourism. But the best thing about Smoke on the Water is that all proceeds are given to local non-profit groups like the American Red Cross, Boys and Girls Club, Young Life, Ruth’s House (Women’s Shelter), the Cancer Center, P.A.L., Eagles Wings(Food Bank), Zion Homeless Shelter, WHS Jr. ROTC, Little Washington Sailing School, Bright Futures, Boys Scouts, Purpose of God Annex, Beaufort Hyde Partnership for Children, Toys for Tots and more.

Barbecue contestants will roll in and be in place by 5 p.m. on Friday evening for the Chief Cooks Meeting and Showmanship Judging. Festival hours on Saturday are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and events include a 5K race sponsored by the Washington Montessori School, a Fire Engine pull, a skyjumping demonstration, a beer garden, a Classic Car Show, a special Kids Zone, train ride, arts and crafts vendors and more. Arts of the Pamlico will host a Blues and Jazz Festival providing live music all day long. For more information, visit on line at smokeonthewater.info or call 252-944-6136.