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Whidbey Xtra! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2015 | Vol. 1, No. 14 | WWW.WHIDBEYNEWSTIMES.COM | FREE
Annual Pigfest organizers planning for large crowd By RON NEWBERRY
rnewberry@whidbeynewsgroup.com
It doesn’t take a seasoned weather expert to predict that hot weather is likely in store for Oak Harbor’s Pigfest Aug. 9. August is traditionally hot, the event fell on a sweltering day last year and this year’s drought-like conditions can only lead to similarly warm expectations. To prepare for the heat and to make the event generally more comfortable for attendees, organizers of the Pigfest are making a few improvements in 2015. A fourth food line will be added for the free pork meal, more covered seating will be available and more water is being donated, said Scott Fraser, the event’s founder. The Oak Harbor Pigfest changed its name and moved to a new location last year, drawing a record 8,000 people to Pioneer Way, which doubled the previous year’s attendance. The event, formerly known as the Fidalgo Avenue Block Party and Pig Roast, started as a way for Fraser to thank the community for their support. He is owner and chef of
2014 file photo
Organizers plan to add a fourth line to serve crowds that reached 8,000 people last year. The event will also include additional covered seating and more water to help people beat the heat. Frasers Gourmet Hideaway on Fidalgo Avenue. The Pigfest is highlighted by a free pulled pork meal, which also includes a salad, cole slaw, roll and macaroni
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salad. Some attendees had long waits in the three food lines last year, which prompted the event’s committee to add a fourth line this year.
The meal was served to about 6,000 people last year -— 2,500 more than in 2013. About 2,000 additional people attended last year but didn’t eat, Fraser said.
“People have to realize it’s a free dinner,” Fraser said. “We do appreciate donations. The money raised goes to our charities.” The Oak Harbor Pigfest
raised more than $12,000 last year to divide among charities. The North Whidbey Help House received $6,000. Fraser said that at least 3,000 pounds of pork will be prepared for this year’s event and more water will be on hand. The event ran out of free water bottles last year. Saars Marketplace is donating 4,000 water bottles this year, Fraser said. Like last year, the Oak Harbor Pigfest will focus on fun and entertainment for children and adults. A rock climbing wall, wobbly water ball attraction, clowns, balloon artist and comedian will be featured this year to entertain children. A hypnotist, live music and sanctioned professional barbecue competition are among the attractions for adults. It’s the second year in a row that event will feature the professional barbecue competition, which is sanctioned by the Pacific Northwest Barbecue Association. Twenty-five competitors are expected.
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