Pigs race for sweet treats

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

When the bugle blows 1 p.m. Saturday, April 9, the pigs will be running.

The prize: a frosted oatmeal cookie.

“They used to eat Oreos, but they were getting too fat,” said Jay Phillips, owner of Show-me Swine Racers.

This third-generation family company, based out of East Prairie, Mo., has brought races as far north as New York, and south to Miami.

But this is not a casual a spectator sport. Onlookers will be encouraged to cheer for their favorite pigs. The louder you holler, the faster these pigs will run. And the loudest pig rooter will receive a prize, too.

“Pigs are smarter then dogs,” Phillips said. “They are trained, and they love oatmeal cookies. They are our pets, and they’re fun to be around.”

The pig races at the 2011 Rock ’n’ Rib Fest begin at 1 p.m. and will continue throughout the day with three different heats in each show.

Each show will last about 20 minutes.