Pig Races
And There’s More: Let Us Entertain You! | Pumpkin Patch | Courtyard for Children
Raising money, racing pigs:
Maris Farms, KMPS, several sponsors and twelve hogs will once again team up to raise money
for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with the 3rd Annual Triple “Pig” Crown pig racing series
- And they’re off!
This was a hoot three years ago when we started it and again in 2008, when we turned it into the “Triple ‘Pig’ Crown” series – an event similar to horse racing’s Triple Crown – which helps raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The event is focused on one goal – pigs racing to raise some bacon for St. Jude’s.
“Where else can you do a little “mock” betting and raise some serious money for a great cause,” event organizer Steve Templeman said. “There’s nothing better than hearing the crowd get into it as those pigs round the final turn and are headed home for a cookie.”
For the past two seasons, the pig races have raised $6,000 for St. Jude’s. Fans contributed $1,500 and made close to 1,000 mock “bets” on the pigs during the four-week run of races in 2009. An anonymous donor contributed $500 to the 2009 cause. Several sponsors contributed to this event, including Emerald Queen Casino, Famous Dave’s BBQ, American Thunder Monster Truck, Anytime Fitness and Adventure Paintball Park. In 2009, the fastest hog was the Anytime Fitness-sponsored IchaHOG, named after the famous Seattle Country Music disc jockey Ichabod Caine. IchaHOG became the second racing pig in as many seasons to capture the famed Triple “Pig” Crown series title by winning the PIGtucky Derby, The SQUEAKness and the BOARmont Stakes. After a dismal 2008 when he did not win one race, IchaHOG stormed back to win 27 straight races in 2009.
The HOGfather - Steve Templeman - holds his hog with dignity and determination
Maris Farms will bring back a new stable of piglets to race for the honor of being crowned October’s fleetest pig. There are again rumors of IchaHOG’s return, if not to race maybe just as a special guest. The iconic hog has developed into legendary status over the last two seasons with a winless racing season in 2008 to an undefeated run of 27 straight wins in 2009 and the title of Triple Pig Crown winner. Stay tuned for more news on IchaHOG!
Be on hand to give “your” pig a good luck kiss and place your “mock” bets/donations on the swiftest swines with all “wagers” going to St. Jude’s! All who place a “mock” bet will again receive a complimentary pig nose and a chance to win special prizes if their pig(s) win. There are three race sessions on weekends (noon, 2 pm and 4 pm) and it is free (with your entry fee) to watch and fun for all ages!
In addition to the normal weekend races, there will be three marquee races – The Pigtucky Derby (Oct. 10th, 4 pm), The Squeakness (Oct. 17th, 4 pm) and The Boarmont Stakes (Oct. 24th, 4 pm).
Also, don’t forget to attend any of the five puget sound Famous Dave’s Barbeque restaurants every Tuesday preceding the marquee races for “Pork-Out” party Tuesdays. These three special Tuesday events will serve as both a fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (20% of everyone’s bill, all day, will go to St. Jude) and a pre-marquee race promotion. Don’t miss the food, fun and festivities at “Pork-Out” party Tuesdays!
The HOGfather is flanked by Pig Whisperers Dennis Riley (left) and Mallie Riley (right)
On a small round track near the animal barn, several races will again occur during the course of a weekend day and fans will often cheer for their favorites – like they did with SOW Bisquit, Denny HAMlin and Jack LaLOIN in 2009 – as they burn a little bacon around the 50 meter race track.
Prior to each racing session (3 races per session, 3 sessions per day), racing fans can make donations of $1 (1 ticket), $5 (6 tickets) or $10 (15 tickets) and pick a pig they feel will win that race.
After someone donates, they will receive a numbered raffle ticket – they will keep half and put the other half in the bucket of their “chosen” winner. At the end of the race, the announcer will draw a name from the “winning” pig’s bucket, and that individual will win a prize from one of our sponsors. All donators will win a special “pignostication” pig nose for their contribution. Once again, all donations will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
St. Jude is unlike any other pediatric treatment and research facility. Discoveries there have completely changed how the world treats children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. With research and patient care under one roof, St. Jude is where some of today’s most gifted researchers are able to do science more quickly.
St. Jude is a place where cutting-edge research and revolutionary discoveries happen every day. It is now America’s second-largest health-care charity so the science never stops.
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