If you have a middle or high schooler who loves the sizzle of a grill, it’s time to let them show off their skills. The 5th Annual Junior Grillmasters Competition, proudly presented by Publix, is firing up once again at this year’s Pig on the Pond Community Festival—and it’s one of the event’s most popular crowd-pleasers.

This friendly competition gives young chefs a chance to step into the spotlight with a hands-on, safe grilling experience, plenty of cheering from the crowd, and—of course—some serious bragging rights. Whether they’re already a backyard BBQ boss or just discovering their love for grilling, Junior Grillmasters is all about confidence, creativity, and fun.

Spots are limited, so families are encouraged to sign up early. Register here: https://www.eventeny.com/events/vendor/?id=42566

The Pig on the Pond Community Festival is a three-day, family-friendly celebration held at Waterfront Park in Clermont and hosted by Project Scholars, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Drawing more than 20,000 attendees, it’s the largest festival in South Lake County and features something for everyone—carnival rides, live entertainment, a kids zone, fireworks, and dozens of sponsored activities. Dog can attend as long as on a leash and under control.

Best of all, the festival has a meaningful mission: raising funds for college scholarships to help deserving local students pursue their educational and career dreams.

These event will be held Friday–Sunday, March 27–29, 2026
  Friday: 5–10 p.m.
  Saturday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
  Sunday: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Free shuttles will run throughout the event, starting 30 minutes before opening and continuing until 30 minutes after closing. Limited parking is available near the park.

 Admission is  Children: $3, Adults: $5, Children under 2: Free

Tickets can be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.
All-you-can-ride carnival wristbands are available for $30 in advance or onsite.

From junior grill stars to fireworks over the lake, Pig on the Pond promises a full weekend of food, fun, and community spirit.