Get ready for a trip to South Carolina’s Old 96 District and a handful of barbecue festivals that bring thousands to towns in the 5-county region every year. In this episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show, host Chigger Willard interviews Kimberly Snyder Griggs, Marketing Director for Old 96 District Tourism, about one of state’s biggest barbecue weekends, Oct. 17-18 for Squealin’ on the Square in Laurens and Hogs & Hens in Abbeville. From mustard-based sauce debates to Revolutionary War history, Kimberly shares why the Old 96 District isn’t just about incredible barbecue—it’s about unexpected wonders, historic charm, and true Southern hospitality. Whether you’re a festival regular or planning your first visit, this episode will help you savor everything the Old 96 District has to offer, including the SC Festival of Discovery that brings Blues and BBQ to Greenwood every year. Don’t miss Kimberly’s advice for finding the best BBQ hash in the district.

This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by the Old 96 District, home of outdoor adventure, history, and thriving small town communities in South Carolina’s Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick counties. Learn more at visitold96.com.

Squealin’ on the Square celebrates 25 years in downtown Laurens, SC, with a people’s choice barbecue competition, pickle eating contest, live music, and small-town charm. Main Street Laurens Executive Director Brad Abercrombie shares the history of the festival and what 20,000 people will experience Oct. 17-18. Listen insight on where Laurens falls in the South Carolina barbecue divide and whether vinegar or mustard will win this year’s barbecue trophy and cash prize. Don’t miss Brad’s advice for the hog calling competition at Squealin’ on the Square 2025.

This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by the Old 96 District, home of outdoor adventure, history and thriving small town communities in South Carolina’s Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick counties. Learn more at visitold96.com.

Hogs and Hens BBQ Festival is coming to Abbeville, SC, on Oct. 17-18 and festival organizer Emily Bledsoe reveals the details on the vendors, the music, the kids zone – and of course the barbecue! Learn more about Abbeville, how this free event started in the city’s one-of-a-kind downtown and why Hogs and Hens BBQ Festival is built on barbecue and community in the South Carolina’s upstate. Get details on the Southern BBQ Network-sanctioned barbecue competition and find out which area non-profit will benefit from this year’s festival proceeds. Then be sure to join us for Hogs and Hens in Abbeville, Oct. 17-18.

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This episode of The Low & Slow Barbecue Show is sponsored by the Old 96 District, home of outdoor adventure, history and thriving small town communities in South Carolina’s Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick counties. Learn more at visitold96.com.