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.