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Winchester’s High on the Hog Festival has been a mainstay event for 36 years, and it comes as no surprise that the 2023 chapter lived up to all of its historic glory.

The festival, which began on May 13 and concluded with the carnival’s last day on Saturday, was deemed a success and provided great fun for the community, according to event organizers.

The festival, organized by the Franklin County Kiwanis organization, had an array of events and activities that appealed to the interests of locals and visitors.

A craft fair was also held on May 13 to kick off the weeklong festivities. During the craft fair, there was food available, a steak competition, a cruise-in, live music and a cornhole tournament.

A weeklong carnival took place at the Winchester Bass Club grounds where there was also live entertainment amid various food offerings.

This year, country singer Buddy Jewel headlined the live music lineup on Saturday evening.

A total of 54 teams and 65 judges traveled to participate in the Traders Bank Backyard Challenge on Friday and Saturday which was sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society.

Awards included more than $7,000 in cash, trophies and prizes.

The winner’s circle included:

— Grand Champion: 2 Swine Crew, Thompson Station, Tennessee ($1,500 + trophy).

— Reserve Grand Champion: Furlongs Smoke & Seafood, Louisville, Kentucky, and Minneapolis, Minnesota ($1,000 + trophy).

— Chicken First Place: Furlongs Smoke & Seafood; received a perfect score.

— Ribs First Place: 2 Swine Crew.

— Pork First Place: Redbones.

— Dessert First Place: Secondhand Smoke; received a perfect score.