Hustling hogs ham it up, leave spectators squealing
DUNBAR TWP. – With the opening of the gates, the runners are off, leaving a small cloud of dust and curly tails the only things initially visible to the cheering spectators.
The “Pigs Gone Wild” pig races, sponsored by Neubauer’s Flowers Inc. in Uniontown, is a perennial favorite at the Fayette County Fair. For many years, the races were known as Nancy Herring’s Racing Pigs. Jill Jackson Matiyasic now heads the races.
Each year, the crowds seem to get more excited and determined to win one of the coveted racing pigs T-shirts.
“(The turnout) has been very strong this year,” said Jackson Matiyasic.
One addition to this year’s races is the new fencing, gate area and home for the pigs.
“All-Around Fence Company did that for us,” said Jackson Matiyasic.
Each year, Jackson Matiyasic decides on a unique theme for the races.
This year’s theme is a first for the pig races because it is a powder puff league featuring all female pigs as famous princesses.
Competing this year are Swinederella, Snorting Beauty, Snow White Meat and Stinkerbell.
“Somebody I worked with suggested fairy tales, and it evolved from that,” said Jackson Matiyasic.
The theme might change every year, but the excitement over the pig races does not.
One of the winners of a pig racing T-shirt on Monday was 4-year-old Jesse Roberts of Mill Run.
He said he was excited to win the shirt and attributes his win to his zealous cheering for Swinederella.
Guests to the fair can cheer on the hustling hogs at the Family Area each day at 4, 6 and 8 p.m.