News Summary
The South Carolina Festival of Discovery saw over 10,000 attendees in Uptown Greenwood, where the team Smokin’ Sweetmeats, led by Trey and Meg Terry, was named Grand Champions for the second time. The festival included BBQ competitions, a hot dog-eating contest, and various family-friendly activities, generating significant economic impact in the community and reinforcing local traditions. Plans for future festivals are already underway as the community celebrates southern cuisine and culture.
Greenwood, South Carolina – Smokin’ Sweetmeats Crowned Grand Champions at 2025 South Carolina Festival of Discovery
Over 10,000 attendees flooded Uptown Greenwood from July 12-14, 2025, for the 24th Annual South Carolina Festival of Discovery, a lively celebration of southern cuisine and culture. The festival included a Kansas City Barbecue Society (KCBS) BBQ cook-off, where the team Smokin’ Sweetmeats, led by Trey and Meg Terry from Monroe, Georgia, emerged as Grand Champions for the second time, having previously won in 2023. The team received a cash prize of $3,000 and was honored during the awards ceremony, cementing their status in the local barbecue scene.
Highlighting the culinary competitions, the event also featured various contests for chicken, pork ribs, brisket, and a unique category for Hash—a dish deeply rooted in South Carolina’s culinary traditions. Sweet Smoke Q excelled in the competition, taking first place in both the chicken and dessert categories with their inventive “Anything Goes” entry.
Hot Dog-Eating Contest Winner
In a separate contest, the hot dog-eating segment on the festival’s final day attracted significant attention. Michael Peterson of Carolina Pride triumphed by consuming 15 hot dogs in just 12 minutes, showcasing impressive eating prowess.
Community and Family Engagement
The festival wasn’t just about food competitions; it also celebrated family-friendly activities, such as the Kids Que, aimed at aspiring young pitmasters eager to showcase their grilling talents. Attendees enjoyed live music across multiple stages with over 55 musical performances spanning genres like blues, jazz, and soul, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere of the event.
Economic Impact and Community Spirit
The festival played a significant role in bolstering local businesses, with reports indicating millions generated for hotels, restaurants, and vendors in the Greenwood area. Participants in the barbecue competition expressed a strong sense of camaraderie, sharing valuable tips and experiences with one another, further fostering community spirit. Several organizations were recognized for their contributions, including the presentation of the Gerald Ledbetter Award to high-scoring teams, who also received sketches by local artist Kristen Bennett.
Festival Atmosphere and Future Plans
The vibrant atmosphere of the festival was accentuated by colorful decorations, entertainment, and engaging performances, including participants in inflatable costumes. The celebration of southern cuisine, blues music, and local culture resonated well with the participants and visitors alike. Following the success in 2025, plans for further enhancements are being considered for next year’s festival, indicating a commitment to expanding this cherished local tradition.
In summary, the 2025 South Carolina Festival of Discovery not only crowned new champions in barbecue but also reinforced the rich cultural fabric of the community while generating vital economic benefits. As the festival concluded, it left attendees eagerly anticipating the events of 2026.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: SC Festival of Discovery BBQ and Blues
- Index Journal: 24th SC Festival of Discovery
- The State: SC Festival of Discovery Coverage
- Wikipedia: Festival of Discovery
- Google Search: Festival of Discovery South Carolina
Author: HERE Greenwood
The GREENWOOD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGreenwood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Greenwood, Greenwood County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Festival of Flowers, Greenwood Community Theatre performances, and agricultural showcases at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Greenwood United Ministry, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as FujiFilm Manufacturing and Self Regional Healthcare. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharleston.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGreenville.com, and HEREHiltonHead.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
