YORKTON – Pigs were flying down the track at the Yorkton Exhibition and the crowds were squealing with excitement.
Contestants such as Ham Solo, Kevin Bacon and the Notorious P.I.G. were hogging the lanes at the Aces Flying Pig Races.
"Pig races have been a long tradition in North America — both Canada and the US — it's a huge favourite at county and state fair levels," said Andrew Pogson, Lead Wrangler for Aces Flying Pig Races, in an interview with Yorkton This Week.
Pogson said pig races aren't something new but have seen a decline.
"It's been popular throughout Canada but for the last while it's been obsolete due to the producers that have retired from the industry," said Pogson, adding, "Aces is touring across Canada this year — which we started in Swift Current and ending up all the way up in BC ... we're super excited."
Pogson said Aces operates out of Ontario but tours across North America.
"We have a production company that tours all over North America — Alaska to Miami and San Diego to Charlottetown PEI," said Pogson.
When it comes to the breed of pigs, Pogson said there is one in particular that stands out as best for the races.
"We found that the heritage breed kind of run the fastest and they're just super lovable and easy to train."
Pogson said the main goal of the pig races is to promote agriculture and that the reception has been "huge" for the entertainers who were scheduled for 12 performances at the exhibition.
"It's one of those things where people come to the fairs hoping to see and enjoy animals for sure," said Pogson, "fairs — of course — are all about agriculture — they're always packed houses and people just love it."
