Delta State’s 35th annual Pig Pickin’ event will be hosted Sept. 10-11, 2021.CLEVELAND, Miss.—As one of the most highly-anticipated annual events, Pig Pickin’ brings Delta State University alumni and friends together to enjoy delicious barbeque, tailgating, entertainment and football. The celebration will return this year, Sept. 10-11, with a schedule jam-packed with activities that everyone can enjoy!
Delta State’s 35th annual Pig Pickin’ event will officially kick-off at 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, at Statesmen Park with the highly-competitive Memphis Barbecue Network (MBN) competition.
On Saturday, Sept. 11, the event will be highlighted by the Statemen’s second home football games against McKendree University at 6 p.m. as well as a special commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11th at 1 p.m.
“This year, we’re excited to offer our traditional Pig Pickin’ event while also incorporating new aspects to enhance the overall atmosphere and experience,” said James Forte’, director of Alumni Affairs and Annual Fund at Delta State. “We’re looking forward to reconnecting with our alumni and friends during this year’s Pig Pickin’ event, and we hope everyone will come out and join us—there’ll be something for everyone!”
On Saturday, Statemen Park will open to the general public at noon. This year’s food vendors will include award-winning Ubon’s Barbeque of Yazoo City, Domino’s Pizza, Levee Break Grill and Mac’s Shaved Ice.
A designated Family Zone will be available to keep the little ones entertained, and Delta State’s Admissions, Student Life and other campus departments will be on-site with games and activities for attendees to enjoy.
The 7th Annual Cornhole Tournament will also be hosted from noon to 2:30 p.m. In addition, Delta Health Alliance will have free COVID-19 vaccinations available on-site from noon to 5 p.m.
Leading up to the 6 p.m. kick-off, attendees will be welcomed by Delta State Alumni Board President John Fletcher at noon. At 2:30, the DMI Band featuring Delta State President William N. LaForge will perform at 2:30 p.m, followed by a greeting from LaForge at 2:50 p.m.
A pep rally at 3 p.m. followed by a live performance by Blue Elephant Club from 3:30 to 5 p.m. will keep fans entertained until special presentations by the MBN Cooking Competition at 5 p.m.
This year’s event will be broadcasted live on the Delta Radio Network, from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by a live show from Delta State’s WDSW “The Trail” and Cleveland Radio from noon to 2:30 p.m.
Pre-ordered BBQ tickets will be available for purchase for $10 through Sept. 10 at www.dsupigpickin.com, or by stopping by Hugh Ellis Walker Alumni-Foundation house. Tickets will also be available for purchase on Sept. 11 for $15 at the DSU Alumni Association tent.
To purchase an official Pig Pickin’ t-shirt, reserve a tailgating space or view a complete schedule of events, visit www.dsupigpickin.com.
For questions, contact Delta State’s Office of Alumni Affairs at alumni@deltastate.edu.
