Heinold Racing Pigs, c. 1975 Photo courtesy of Preble County Pork Festival, Inc.

Preble County Pork Festival

Inspired by "Farm-City Day" and the Preble County Pig Roast, this southwestern Ohio festival was devised by committee of local businessmen, a county agricultural extension agent, and a soil and water conservationist wishing to promote the local pork industry. Preble County, with its bountiful corn production, sends thousands of bushels of corn to market in the form of corn-fed pork. The first swine testing station was established in the county in 1946, and basic methodologies developed there helped to bring the world a leaner, higher quality and more nutritious product. From the first event in 1971 to the most recent in 1999, the Preble County Pork Festival has sold nearly 1.2 million pounds of pork, and has grown to utilize the efforts of over 1700 volunteers annually. In addition to its popular pork barbecue, the festival hosts a parade, displays an array of arts and crafts, commercial and educational exhibits. Recently, the emphasis has been on family entertainment, featuring musical groups and university marching bands. Proceeds from the festival are returned to the community through various improvements to the fair grounds and through funding two annual scholarships to accredited colleges. Project materials include a history of the festival, festival newsletter, brochure and statistics, and 14 8" x 10" photographs with accompanying descriptions.

Originally submitted by: John A. Boehner, Representative (8th District).

More Local Legacies... Additional Ohio Local Legacies Local Legacies for all U.S. States

The Local Legacies project provides a "snapshot" of American Culture as it was expressed in spring of 2000. Consequently, it is not being updated with new or revised information with the exception of "Related Website" links.

Learn More About It... Related Web Site