""Pig out" in the Collar City" by Food Forum

Troy Pig Out BBQ Festival

The first Troy Pig Out BBQ Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, July 20, at the Riverfront Park in downtown Troy.

Top competitors from all over the Northeast will head to downtown Troy for a chance to show off their barbecue and grilling talents and a shot at winning some of the $7,500 in prize money to be awarded throughout the course of the free event.

From big-name competitors to regular Joe’s, many different restaurants, groups and individuals will bring their best barbecue contest on Saturday to prove their skills at Troy Pig Out — even Mayor Harry Tutunjian has entered.

The fun continues on Sunday with the state barbecue championship, where serious barbecue contenders will go head-to-head for a spot in the Kansas City Barbecue Society Nationals.

The Troy Pig Out is sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society, and winners will be chosen by certified barbecue judges. Regardless of who wins or loses, there will be plenty of barbecue to go around.

Live music, crafters, entertainment and fireworks are also on the agenda for this street festival in Riverfront Park. Front Street in Troy will be closed to traffic during the event to accommodate festival goers and competitors.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

New Farmers' Market

As part of its push to create a healthful climate for employees and set an example for their clients, CDPHP has started its own farmers market, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays, tomorrow through Oct. 30, at the company’s office, 500 Patroon Creek Blvd. in Albany.

The market, open to the public, will feature fruits, cheese spreads, butters, baked goods, vegetables and bedding plants from Bowman Orchards, George’s Market, Harmony House Bakery, Kings Roaming, Lansing’s Farm Market & Greenhouses, VR Saulpaugh & Sons and Worldling’s Pleasure.