Georgia: Pig-Throwing Contest brings squeals of delight - NRPA in Action

Parks & Recreation, Oct, 2003

The 1st Annual Pig-Throwing Contest was held at the Columbia County (Ga.) Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks. The Recreation & Leisure Services Department started advertising the event in June, but gave no details other than that it would be held in conjunction with their Fourth of July activities. Ads went out to all local newspapers, radio and television stations. Television interviews concerning the Fourth of July activities repeatedly ended with a reminder about the pig-throwing contest. As word got out, residents started asking about such minor details as "How do you throw a pig?" and "How many pigs are going to be thrown?" No answers were provided.

On the day of the event, activities started at 3:00 p.m., with the pig throw scheduled for 7:00 p.m. By then, 40 people had signed up, even though a small cage was the only hint of porcine presence in the area. Contestant were told they had to throw the pigs by holding either its two front legs, two back legs or one front and one back leg when throwing. Finally, a box was opened, and six life-size colored pigs were taken out. The contestants seemed relieved to find they wouldn't be tossing the real thing.

Columbia County had its largest-ever crowd at this year's Fourth of July event, no doubt in part because of the interest generated by the pig throw.

For more information, contact Charles Beale at cbeale@co.columbia.ga.us.