by Jill Funke

This year, the schedule of events at Larchwood Family Days on Saturday, July 14 will include a new activity. Area residents will match wits with their four-legged swine friends in a pig wrestling contest. The goal of the contest is to leap into a hole with mud about knee deep, catch the pig, and put him rear first into a 55 gallon drum. This feat should be accomplished in one minute or under to win the division. Teams of three people will be organized into three divisions. The men’s division is designed for adult males age 18 and up, while the women’s division will be comprised of adult females age 18 and over. The co-ed division will include males and females ages 12 to 17. A pig weighing approximately 120 pounds will be used in the men’s round, a smaller animal weighing approximately 100 pounds will be featured in the women’s round, and an 80-pound hog will test the wits of the teams in the co-ed youth division.

To participate, teams will pay a $30 entry fee. Organizers would like to secure ten teams in each division, with thirty teams participating that day. While many people have expressed interest in the event, event coordinator, Jamee Childress, says there are still slots for teams who need to register. A signed consent form is required from each member of each team. An auction will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the old volleyball courts at the Larchwood City Park. Each team will be up for bid, and the funds from each winning bid will be collected in a pot for each division. The three bidders with the highest bid for the winning team in each division gets to take home 80% of the money in their division’s pot. All teams should arrive at the auction just before 1:30 p.m. Wresting will follow the auction at 2:00 p.m.. While it is not required, teams may wear matching t-shirts or do something similar to help the crowd identify them. Individuals, groups and businesses are encouraged to attend the auction and contest to support their favorite team(s).

The idea came from an experience Jamee had in Edgemont, South Dakota. While visiting friends who live in the area, Jamee, her sister and her sister-in-law entered a pig wrestling contest. Close to Rapid City, Edgemont was the location for several West River games, including pig wrestling. Even though they hadn’t participated before, Jamee’s team was excited when they won the contest. Prior to the event, the crowd was given the chance at an auction to purchase each participating team. Another team, who were the reigning champion pig wrestlers from the previous few years, brought in $250 at the auction, while Jamee’s team was definitely considered underdogs and raised only $70. Since Jamie’s team won, the party with the highest bid for her team at the auction got to claim 80% of bids from the women’s division, including the $250 that was bid for the returning champion team!

This event should test the skills and patience of all who participate, as well as bring quite a few laughs to spectators in the audience. Anyone needing more information, or wanting to register a team can contact Jamee at Shear Image at 477-2226. Teams can also stop by the salon at 1010 Broadway to register, pick up a copy of the rules, and sign their consent forms.