Keith Bradley’s familiar rapid call, "Get a pig, get a pig, get a pig," again filled the
grandstand area Monday afternoon as the annual Wood County Fair Catch-a-pig event was held. PHOTO GALLERY
Bradley, a local auctioneer and businessman is the regular announcer for the event.
Through the generosity of numerous sponsors, the odds were very good for the 108 young girls and boys to
catch one of 86 pigs available.
The competitors were divided by age and gender, with the younger catchers being allowed assistance from
volunteers of the Junior Fair Board. Once they had caught the pigs, the teens would assist in getting
the pig to the pens. The older catchers were on their own and not only had to grab the pigs but also had
to carry the piglet to the pen.
It is a popular event for both those catching and those watching.
Weekend rains had provided a good mud base, but Monday’s heat had pretty much dried the track. Those
familiar with the event know it is always contested in the mud, so local fire departments again provided
enough water for the muddy mayhem.
The Johnson family of Pemberville featured three first-time entrants, and each was successful. Macey
competed with the 6-year-old girls, and was very excited about her conquest. She jumped around as she
told how "I grabbed the legs and hang on tight."
One of her brothers, Wesley, competed with fellow 7-year-old boys. Though he had attempted the
widely-accepted leg grab technique, he said, "I just grabbed it and held on."
When asked if he gave it a big bear hug to catch it, he said, "No, just a little bear hug."

After watching his younger siblings grab a pig, Peyton, 9, was not to be outdone. Like his sister, he
went for the legs, but could only hang onto one.
"He tried to get away and twisted his leg, but I got him," he said with pride.
Another first-time entrant was also successful. Katie Oestreich, 6, of Wayne, shared her special
technique.
"I sneaked up on it. When the pig went around someone, I went the other way and they ran into me and
I got to catch it," she shared.
All the contestants were treated to a cold rinse following the competition, with most at one point or
another trying to share their mud with mom or dad.
Though the thrill of success abounded, most of those who missed a pig took it in stride. One 8-year-old
boy was not as accepting. He fought back tears after leaving the track, and was consoled by his father.
Dad asked the simple question, "Did you have fun?"
Though still not excited, he nodded in agreement and headed for the rinse area.
In addition to the right to take the pig home and raise it until the December sale, each catcher received
a complimentary bag of feed from Luckey Farmers to get them started.
Those who did not get a pig, were given a certificate for ice cream from the nearby Ice Cream Machine.

(A list of all catchers and the pig sponsors can be found on page 15.)