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 4th Annual Triple “Pig” Crown pig racing series
- And they’re off!
This was a hoot when we started it five years ago and has become one of the most popular attractions at Maris Farms. In year one, it was simply throwing pigs out on the track and watching them run. Four years ago, 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 three seasons, the pig races have raised $10,000 for St. Jude’s. Fans contributed $2,000 and made close to 1,600 mock “bets” on the pigs during the four-week run of races in 2010. Several sponsors contributed to this event, including Emerald Queen Casino, KMPS, American Thunder Monster Truck and Anytime Fitness. In 2010, the fastest hog was the Anytime Fitness-sponsored Porky Potter, named after KMPS Country Music disc jockey Potter from the Candy and Potter morning show. Porky Potter captured two of the three marquee races in the famed Triple “Pig” Crown series -winning the BOARmont Stakes and The SQUEAKness.
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.
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. 9th, 4 pm), The BOARmont (Oct. 16th, 4 pm) and The SQUEAKness (Oct. 23rd, 4 pm).
Also, don’t forget to head to any participating Papa Murphy’s Pizza here in the Southsound during the month of October to pick up a discount coupon to Maris Farms with the purchase of a pizza. Check back later to see a list of participating locations.
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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