7th Annual NC Hotsauce Contest
The NC Hot Sauce Contest brings thousands of people to downtown Oxford to interact with friends, merchants, fans, artisans and vendors. In 2011, we topped 10,000 visitors. North Carolina's finest hot sauces and barbeque sauces, along with breweries and wineries spice up the blends and texture of downtown's historical streets. Enter the NC Pepper Eating Contest sponsored by Bailey Farms. Watch as Artist Dan Nelson creates our Festival on Canvas. Capture all the history of Oxford by visiting the Granville County Museum and their September Sensations Bazaar as well as at the Harris Exhibit Hall, famous for showcasing local artisans. Take a horse drawn carriage rides down the residential portion of Main Street (Sponsored by Oxford Bed & Breakfast at the Olde Parsonage). Visit the Granville Gardeners Plant Sale. We have activities for children, lovely local shops waiting to greet you and great restaurants, all at your fingertips. And, new this year, we are working to have the Granville County Fire Departments compete for bragging rights in a BBQ chicken cook-off contest. NC Hot Sauces and Barbecue Sauces, all will be competing for the title of North Carolina's Best!!!!!!!
ABOUT THE NORTH CAROLINA HOT SAUCE CONTEST
Seven years ago Julia Overton, Owner of Stovall's Gifts located at 100 Main Street in historic downtown Oxford had the idea to host an event in her store to promote North Carolina products, specifically hot sauces. She recognized that Granville County was home to Bailey Farms, who is the largest pepper producer/distributor on the eastern seaboard. Tying the two together, the hot sauce contest was born.
The State recognized, NC Hot Sauce Contest is held annually on the second Saturday in September, welcoming thousands of visitors. Our 2011 festival topped an estimated 7,000 visitors! The 7th annual festival will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on. It has grown from Stovall's Gifts to three streets in downtown Oxford: Main, Hillsboro (1st block) and College Streets.
Get sauced in historic downtown Oxford on Saturday, September 14 from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM for the 7th Annual North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest. Over 70+ vendors take part in this event. Come sample and purchase hot sauces, barbeque sauces, beers, wines and special foods all made in North Carolina.
This year should be bigger and better than ever and all the activities will certainly spice up the blends and texture of downtown's historical streets.
There is so much to do this year and the event continues to grow. Here is a sampling:
- North Carolina Pepper Eating Contest. You could win $300.
- Free horse and carriage rides sponsored by Oxford Bed & Breakfast at the Olde Parsonage.
- Enjoy music by local entertainers
- 12th annual Oxford Parks & Recreation Top 50 Car Show on College Street
- Granville County Museum September Sensations Bazaar
- Artist Dan Nelson will create the festival on canvas.
- Granville Gardeners Plant Sale
- Activities for the kids.
- Great shopping, food and so much more.
The North Carolina Hot Sauce Contest has transformed the community and the downtown into a "Smoking Hot Family Oriented Day" bringing in thousands of people into Oxford. We hope you will come out and support this event, said Tanya Weary, Downtown Development Director.
A Proud History
More than a century ago, Oxford was described as "one of the prettiest towns in all the country, with wide and well shaded streets, large lawns and elegant residences." That description still holds true today. Surrounded by vital, growing industries housed in state-of-the-art facilities, Oxford nevertheless retains the charm and friendliness of its historic past. The central business and residential districts are on the National Register of Historic Places. Located atop the bustling Research Triangle in the rolling piedmont of northern Granville County, Oxford affords both easy access to metropolitan amenities and a village atmosphere where neighborly greetings and hometown service are the order of the day.
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