After a long absence a greased pig contest returned Saturday to the Greene County Fair.
Contestants first had their hands doused with mineral oil. Then, in groups of six to eight, they chased young pigs, also slimed with mineral oil, around the show ring. The winner was the first to catch a pig, stuff it in a burlap bag, and put it in a wash tub in the center of the ring.
Most of the 50 or so contestants were Greene County residents. One exception was Andrew Brockwell, a Kamala Harris campaign staffer headquartered in Sioux City. Brockwell grew up on Staten Island, has lived in many places in the eastern U.S. working with various campaigns, and says Sioux City “isn’t the worst place” he’s lived.
Brockwell hadn’t heard of greased pig contests before attending the county fair to help Greene County Democrats on behalf of Harris. He was quick to seize the opportunity to chase a greased pig, even before he knew the rules of the contest.
“I’m sure I’ll be at other county fairs, but who knows if they’ll have a greased pig contest,” he said.
Brockwell didn’t place in the adult division. He touched pigs, but he didn’t catch one. Still, it was a good effort for a Staten Island boy.
First place winners were Tim Tucker in the 19 and older division, Kaylie Rankin in the grades 10-12 division, Brayton Course in the grades 7-9 division, and Ethan Hooper in the grades 4-6 division.
Alyssa Juergensen coordinated the contest.
