Preble County Pork Festival
The Preble County Pork Festival is a two day event. It is held annually the third full weekend in September. This event is primarily run by local volunteers from the community. The volunteers are dedicated to helping the Pork Festival Board raise funds to improve the Preble County Fairgrounds.
The improvements to the fairgrounds are typically related to buildings used during the Preble County Fair by local youngsters involved in the FFA and 4H groups. Recently, a large barn with show arena was erected on the fairgrounds that was directly paid for by the proceeds from the festival. This year, the new barn housed numerous beef cattle during the Preble County Fair. The added barn and show arena has also opened up opportunities for the fairgrounds to add new events to the lineup of attractions in the area.
The weekend includes something for everyone. Young and old alike line the streets of Eaton to watch the Pork Festival parade. Floats from around the county typically include local businesses, organizations, and bands. Last year, Girl Scout Troop 144 gathered in the back of a pick up truck to show their support and wave to the crowd. Eaton High School band wears their pig snouts annually to mark the occasion. As always, the fire trucks are a big hit with the kids.
Another highly anticipated float in the parade is the Pork Festival Queen and her court. Weeks before the festival, a contest is held for Pork Festival Queen and princess. The contestants range in age from elementary school through early twenties. The Pork festival Queen has appearances throughout the weekend during the festival.
A beautiful young lady, wearing a formal dress and crown, standing next to a sow and her litter of pigs is not an unusual sight during the festival. Another oddity at the festival is the pig races.
Several times during the weekend, a large crowd surrounds the small racetrack. Spectators come to see what makes a pig run like crazy. As the people squeal in delight watching the hogs ham it up in the race, the swine scurry to win the prize. To the winner goes one Oreo cookie!
After taking in the race, grab yourself a bite to eat from the Short Order concession stand for a taste of Preble County. Pepsi concession trailers dot the grounds for a ham or sausage sandwich, chips, and a drink.
To take a larger bite out of Eaton, tempt your taste buds with the famous Smorgasbord. The all you can eat buffet includes the famous Pork Festival pork chops, smoked sausage, ham, Cole slaw, applesauce, baked beans, three bean salad, and a roll. A variety of fresh baked pies finish off the feast.
Need to walk off some of your dinner? This is a perfect time to browse the hundreds of venders selling their wares. Barns and tents are filled with crafts of all kinds. September is an excellent time to pick up cute decorations for fall and winter holidays. Handmade clothing of all sorts can be found around the grounds. Pet supplies, balloons, candles, potpourri, and toys are among the various items available.
After picking up your goodies and ideas from the wide selection of venders, don’t forget to make a stop at the Country Store before traveling home. At the Country Store, customers can purchase pork chops, bacon, fresh or smoked sausage, and ham to prepare for yourself. Take a taste of Preble County home with you. Try a sip of Wesler’s apple cider made in New Paris, Ohio, just miles from Eaton. A cup of cider slush is a nice compliment with a freshly popped bag of buttery popcorn. Nachos, soft pretzels, or a candied apple are wonderful snacks for the trip through the rest of the exhibits.
Kids go hog wild over pigs! Check out the pig tales before you leave. Local children write essays about pigs to be displayed during the festival. For youngsters and the young at heart, the Create A Pig contest is as much fun as a big mud puddle. The prettiest pig and most unusual are categories for elementary students. Try your hand at carving a pig out of soap or wood then marvel at the winners of the Carve a Pig contest.
If carving a soap pig is not for you, take a moment to watch a hog being butchered. Several times a day, a demonstration is available to learn more about the various cuts of pork. The production of lard and cracklins is also demonstrated. A sample of cracklins are available following the presentation or in the Country Store.
For the chef in the family, cooking demonstrations are presented to teach how to prepare specific cuts of pork. Learn to make stuffed pork chops or spare ribs.
Instead of singing for your supper, try calling your dinner. A pig calling contest is held in front of the grandstands. Suey! What a weekend.
Make plans to attend the festivities this year at the Preble County Pork Festival. Don’t miss a squeal of a good time.
