A new Cook-off challenge will entice barbecue fanatics when Historic City Market and Big Ed’s host City Market Pig Wars on Friday December 2 in downtown Raleigh. Four professional and non-professional teams will face off in this new First Friday event, which has been designed to attract lovers of great barbecue, live music and a great charitable cause - Easter Seals UCP.

The early-rising cook-off teams will begin their pig-cooking preparations at 5 a.m. on the morning of December 2 and the official judging to pick the championship team will occur at 5:30 p.m. that evening. Local celebrity and retired WRAL-TV5 news anchor Charlie Gaddy will head up the judging process.

After the championship team has been selected, spectators will have the opportunity to taste the barbecue prepared by all four cook-off teams by purchasing barbecue sandwiches, pints of barbecue and barbecue sauces cooked up for the event.

Live music will be provided by The Craig Thompson Duo and beer tents will be sponsored by Vic’s Ristorante Italiano and Woody’s at City Market. Volunteers from Easter Seals UCP will be on hand to answer questions about the organization and hand out materials about Easter Seals UCP local services for individuals and families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. For more information on City Market Pig Wars, call 821.8023, Extension 212.

About Historic City Market

City Market is downtown Raleigh's most charming dining and shopping destination. Filled with unique shops and tantalizing restaurants, there is something for everyone. The selection of stores and restaurants is diverse, and visitors can stop in to see art at Artspace, or take a ride on a Segway. On the first Friday of each month, visitors can stroll the streets of historic City Market and celebrate great art, music, and shopping! Retail stores, restaurants and art galleries open their doors for extended hours and the galleries all over the area have receptions for opening works by various artists. For more information on City Market, visit www.citymarketraleigh.com.

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia

Raleigh, NC-based Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities. For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.