The Pig on the Pond Sanctioned BBQ Competition & Festival traces its origin back to November of 1998, when it was held on West Avenue in Clermont. The first event, organized by the South Lake County Community Foundation, attracted around 1,000 people to a fun-filled day. In 1999, the event shifted to the Waterfront Park for a day and a half, and many more activities were added.

With the growth of the event, it was decided to reevaluate its purpose in 2002 and the decision was made to not hold the event in that year. A group conducted a thorough financial analysis of the event along with the potential for raising funds. It was determined that with the support of the Community Foundation, the event could enable the non-profit organizations in the community to raise money for their activities. The purpose of the event, now scheduled to be held in March of each year, would be to raise much-needed money for scholarships and education in South Lake County.

In order to make the event even more successful, it was decided to create a separate organization (Pig on the Pond, Inc.) in 2003 with its own board of directors and staff. A link with the Community Foundation of South Lake County was maintained through a supporting organization arrangement.

The basic activities of the event remain the BBQ competition and the carnival. Some 20 local non-profit organizations conduct fundraising efforts at the Waterfront Park with approximately 50 sponsors providing much-needed financial support. The attendance has averaged 20,000 people at the event and the organizations have raised about $70,000 each year since 2003 for scholarships and education for the South Lake community.

More and more money will be needed to support scholarships and education as the community continues to grow and the Pig on the Pond event will be at the forefront of that purpose!