Gather the family for a weekend full of pork, wings, hot air balloons and fun children’s activities at Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism’s 14th annual Pork in the Park Festival.
This year’s festival will be held Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, at WinterPlace Park, located at 6737 Blue Ribbon Road in Salisbury. The festival hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. Free parking will be available on-site.
Admission is $3 at the gate for adults and free for children 12 and younger. A new Family Pack, which includes four ticket vouchers, two T-shirt vouchers, two wristband vouchers and a Gold Lot parking pass, is also for sale through April 14 for $50.
As part of Wicomico County’s 150 Year Celebration, there will be special promotions during the festival.
New this year will be additional activities for children, including an outdoor laser tag arena, a low ropes course and a rock wall, along with pony rides. Some activities at the festival have an additional cost, and age and height restrictions may apply.
The Rommel’s Ace Inflatable Park returns this year, offering a dozen bounce houses, slides and obstacles for children ages 12 and younger. The festival also hosts a Kids Corner with different children’s activities and performances. (Times vary for Kids Corner activities, please see full schedule of events on our website.)
“We’re excited to bring additional elements to the festival this year,” said Allen Swiger, a program director with Wicomico County Recreation & Parks. “Toddlers through teenagers will all have something fun to do while they’re here.”
And adults are sure to enjoy themselves, too.
Balloonville returns this year, and festivalgoers will be able to take a tethered balloon ride or sign up for a passenger flight. A balloon glow on Saturday evening will showcase hot air balloons illuminated from within against the night sky.
The Eastern Shore Wing War people’s choice wing competition on the Saturday of the festival, sponsored by Mountaire Farms, pits local restaurants against each other as the public samples wings and votes on their favorite. The following day at the Eastern Shore Pork War, guests will vote on the best pulled pork from different vendors’ samples.
As always, the festival offers a plethora of delicious food, cold beverages, live entertainment and unique vendors throughout the weekend.
Proceeds from the festival benefit the Friends of Recreation & Parks Tomorrow Fund. This fund provides scholarships to youth participating in County child care programs and youth sports programs.
“Pork in the Park is a great community festival,” Swiger said. “It’s the perfect opportunity for families to welcome in the warm weather.”
For more information and a full schedule of events, or to purchase a Family Pack, visit www.porkinthepark.org.
