The 8th annual Meat Fight returns on Nov. 12th, and in case you aren’t familiar with this must-attend event, it’s a Texas barbecue competition that raises funds for the National MS Society.

Of course, it’s so much more than just a barbecue competition. Just ask anyone who’s been, from a top Dallas chef who puts it all on the line (or the plate), to the lucky attendee who gets to try as many meats as the judges.

Or you could even ask The Pig.

Photo credit: Paige Chenault

That’s right, The Pig. The story goes that originally there was a glitter-covered pig that hung from the Meat Fight ceiling like a disco ball. But after the glitter pig disappeared one year, it was replaced with a, shall we say, more life-like pig. Part mascot, part entertainer, today’s Pig has been seen gallivanting with guests, photo-bombing selfies, and (despite what would seem to be conflicting interests) supporting all things meat at recent Meat Fights.

So we asked The Pig to give us five of its (his? her?) top reasons to attend.

1. You get to – wait for it – pig out. It’s not just the judges who eat, it’s the attendees, too. A ticket gets you tastings of up to 20 competition meats, whiskey tastes from WhistlePig Rye Whiskey, and beer from Tupps and Four Corners Brewing to wash it all down.

2. You never know who you’ll see. Maybe me. Maybe a celebrity. All I’m saying is, don’t get so blinded by the meat sweats you forget to people watch.

3. 2017’s new category: Sweet Fight. I’m talking pies, and not of the meat variety (although you never know…). Presented by Whole Foods, nine pastry chefs will compete for the Best Pie trophy. Save room for dessert.

4. It’s a funlanthropy. Meat Fight Founder and CEO Alice Laussade describes a funlanthropy as the best kind of charity event, one that doesn’t require dressing up but instead, wearing jeans, being comfortable and getting messy.

5. And of course, the meat, the meat, the meat. It might seem odd that a swine like myself is a barbecue fan, but it’s hard not to be when top Dallas chefs like Matt McCallister (FT33) and Jeff Bekavac (Neighborhood Services) are bringing their BBQ A-game.

There you have it, straight from the pig’s mouth.

When:

Tickets for Meat Fight 2017 go on sale via Prekindle Tuesday, October 3rd at 10 a.m.

Meat Fight 2017 takes place Sunday, November 12th at 6 p.m. (5 p.m. for VIP entry)

Where:

Meat Fight 2017 will be at the Longhorn Ballroom.

216 Corinth St., Dallas 75207

Tickets:

General Admission, $135. VIP tickets, $235.

The Pig’s Pro-tip:

Tickets sell out within hours so don’t wait. All the details at MeatFight.com and facebook.com/meatfight