Many call Lexington, N.C., the “Barbecue Capital of the World.” And why not?

The small town located in the heart of the Triad has long proclaimed that it has more barbecue restaurants per capital of any city in the country. And with about 19,000 residents and 15 barbecue eateries, it’s hard to argue that point.

So could there be a better place to host one of the country’s biggest and best barbecue festivals? This is actually the 34th annual Barbecue Festival, which will be held Saturday in the quaint uptown area of Lexington where streets are shut down to provide one of the largest pig-pickins anywhere. Last year’s crowd was estimated in the 150,000 range.

Like Mayor Newell Clark once said: "It's like a national holiday for Lexington."

Besides eating the wonderful Lexington-style 'cue, which is the obvious theme of the day, there will be a wine garden and plenty of other choices for those attending, including eight stages of entertainment, music, games, arts and crafts, special attractions and more. Make sure to check out Hogway Speedway and the racing pigs, which is always a popular option for the kids with races held throughout the day.

The festival officially opens at 8:30 a.m. — with the designated tents starting to serve barbecue at 10 a.m. — and goes until 6 p.m. However, the day will go out with a bang with the addition of a festival finale free concert starting at the new Breeden Amphitheater at 333 S. Main St. featuring The Lilly Brothers and On The Border – The Ultimate Eagles Tribute band, followed by fireworks.