Skip to Content
Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

LORIS BOG-OFF FESTIVAL

October 19, 2024 @ 9:00 am 5:00 pm

Timeless Celebration of Chicken Bog and Southern Tradition

This post may contain links from which I earn a commission. Please read my disclosure policy. As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Every October, the small town of Loris, South Carolina, comes alive with the smell of simmering chicken, rice, and sausage as thousands gather for the annual Loris Bog Off Festival. This beloved event, now in its 45th year, has grown into one of the most anticipated celebrations in the region, attracting visitors from near and far to honor a Southern dish deeply rooted in local history.

What is Chicken Bog?

For those unfamiliar with the dish, chicken bog is a simple yet flavorful one-pot meal made with chicken, sausage, rice, and a blend of spices. Its origins are thought to trace back to the farm kitchens of Horry County, where it was often prepared during harvest time. As Tyler Fleming noted in The Sun News, “Chicken bog is a regional favorite dish in Horry County with deep roots in the area’s history.” It’s a meal that has long brought families and communities together, making it the perfect centerpiece for a festival celebrating togetherness.

A Festival Steeped in Tradition

Since its humble beginnings in 1980, the Loris Bog Off has evolved from a small cooking competition into a full-fledged festival that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. From amateur chefs eager to showcase their unique takes on chicken bog to longtime attendees who never miss an event, the festival embodies the strong sense of community that defines Loris.

“The Loris Bog Off is the biggest event of the year for our town,” said Samantha Norris, Executive Director of the Loris Chamber of Commerce, in an interview with WMBF News. “It brings in about 30,000 people… and generates over a quarter of a million dollars for the town.” For a city with just over 2,000 residents, the influx of visitors is both surprising and vital to the local economy. Norris added, “They’ll shop in our stores while they’re here and eat at our restaurants… it just boosts the economy for our town.”

A Competition Like No Other

At the heart of the festival is the highly competitive chicken bog cook-off, where chefs from all over the region set up early in the morning, bringing with them their secret recipes and a fierce determination to win. As noted by My Horry News, chefs arrive as early as 6 a.m. to cook their bog on-site, lining up along Meeting Street in downtown Loris. The competition is judged by a rotating panel of six judges, with winners taking home trophies, cash prizes, and a year’s worth of bragging rights.

In addition to the judges’ verdict, festivalgoers also get a chance to participate in the People’s Choice Award. The first 250 attendees to purchase sample tickets can taste and vote on their favorite bog. “You’ll start getting full after about 10 samples,” joked Norris in My Horry News. But even if you miss out on the competition samples, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the dish at the festival. Chicken bog is served up by local vendors, including long-standing establishments like Shorty’s Grill, which has been dishing out its famous recipe for over 45 years.

A Day Full of Family Fun

While chicken bog is the star of the show, the Loris Bog Off is about more than just food. The festival features a wide variety of activities, including a 5K run, a car show, and quirky contests like the chicken clucking competition. Hundreds of vendors line the streets, offering everything from local crafts to delicious food, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Nicholaus Conner, owner of Shorty’s Grill, described the event as “your typical festival on steroids.” Speaking with WMBF News, he emphasized the importance of the festival to the town. “It’s just a great time. It’s good for the kids. It’s good for the community. Everybody around here loves chicken bog. You’ve got to come out here and try it.”

Why the Loris Bog Off Matters

For the people of Loris, the Bog Off is more than just an event—it’s a tradition that reflects the spirit of their town. From the local businesses that rely on the influx of festivalgoers to the families who pass down their chicken bog recipes through generations, the festival is a testament to the power of food and community.

As one local attendee, Gage Conner, shared with WMBF News, “I ain’t missed the Bog Off yet.” It’s a sentiment shared by many who return year after year, not just for the food, but for the experience of being part of something bigger than themselves.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned chicken bog enthusiast, the Loris Bog Off offers a chance to enjoy Southern hospitality, celebrate a unique culinary tradition, and make lasting memories. So come hungry, come early, and join the thousands who flock to Loris each year for this beloved festival.

Cost to Attend

The Loris Bog Off is a free-to-attend event, meaning there is no cost for entry. However, some activities within the festival, such as purchasing food or participating in tastings, come with a fee.

For instance, if you want to participate in the People’s Choice chicken bog competition, sample tickets are usually available for $5, giving you the chance to taste and vote on the best chicken bog. Additionally, plates of chicken bog and other food items are available for purchase from local vendors and restaurants.


References:

My Horry News: 45th annual Loris Bog-Off set for Saturday, Oct. 19

WMBF News: “Your typical festival on steroids”: Community gets ready for 45th annual Loris Bog Off

The Sun News: Attention, chicken bog fans: It’s almost time for the 40th annual Loris Bog-off

Event Organizer

Event Location

3972 Main St.
Loris, SC 29569 United States
+ Google Map

Best Places to Stay Nearby

Weather Forecast

LORIS WEATHER

Gifts for Your Favorite Pitmaster

(even if that's you!)

On

Etsy

Shirts, hats, & more designed exclusively by Destination BBQ.

Ribertarian: More BBQ Less BS.

Gifts for Your Favorite Pitmaster

(even if that's you!)

On

Etsy

Shirts, hats, & more designed exclusively by Destination BBQ.

If you’re interested in keeping up with SC BBQ events throughout the year, check out our full SC BBQ Events Calendar.

The Perfect Gift

Front cover of the Going Whole Hog cookbook

INTERESTING READING

This cookbook was interesting reading on facts If you want to know more about regional BBQ, buy it. Worth the price. I prefer mustard sauces, make my own and always looking for ideas to make it better. However, I’m not sold on that BBQ was invented in SC.

Russell Harper