Pig races still a fair crowd favorite
Although it has a different name this year, the pig races are still one of the main attractions at the Fayette County Fair. Previously called Nancy’s Racing Pigs in honor of Nancy Herring, who started the show and ran it for 17 years before retiring last year, it’s been renamed Pigs Gone Wild.
Despite the name change, adults and children alike lineup to take in the amazing races. The children, especially, cheer for the pigs as if they were new friends.
Jill Musko of Smock is running the event now, but she admits there was a problem on the first day of the races this year.
“The pigs were let out, and then they just sat down,” said Musko.
Musko said the problem was that the pigs always had the same four names: Boss Hog, Ms. Piggy, Porky, and Arnold. This year, since the name of the event changed, the pigs’ names had to change as well.
“When I am the announcer, I let the kids pick out the pigs’ names,” said Musko.
After that problem was ironed out, things have gone smoother. For the first race of the day at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Spot, Piggy, Porketta, and Steve were the starting racers. Coming in first and second place were Piggy and Porketta.
The second race had a more repetitive approach. With Porky being used twice, the other two names that the children picked were Madeleine and Roast Beef. Madeleine and one of the Porkys took the top ranks of that round.
The format of the race is the same as in past years. During each race, children took turns holding racing pennants that matched the number on the pig they are cheering for. Winners receive a Pigs Gone Wild T-shirt.
“I liked the spotted pig the best,” said Caleigh Hitchcock, 7.
Her brother, Aaron, 4, said that he liked when the pigs ran, and the children had to chase them.
Five different pigs from the same farm are used, but the pigs rotate so they can all have a break during the day. But the break was shortlived as the pig who did not race squealed in excitement and anticipation for his turn.
The races are held at 4:30, 6:30 and 8:30 pm daily in the family area of the fair by the Fiddler’s Building. Two races are held during each time slot, so there are six total races on weekdays. There is a 2:30 p.m. show added for Saturday.