By Jessica Dillon
The Spencer-Penn Centre’s annual Pig Cookin’ Festival is bringing back one of its most popular attractions April 18: its annual Kiss the Piggy contest.
The festival, now in its 15th year, combines barbecue, children’s activities, vendors and entertainment for a spring celebration. But for many attendees, the highlight is watching local public figures compete to see who can raise the most money — and earn the honor of kissing a piglet.
“This will be our fifteenth annual pig cookin’ festival (and) this is our third annual kiss the pig competition,” Susan Sabin, the center’s director, explained. “We are so very fortunate to have so many amazing sponsors. We are very grateful.”
This year’s contestants are Henry County Sheriff Wayne Davis, community advocate Monica Hatchett, local business owner and pastor Chad Hall, rbs news now reporter Luis Romero and Rocky Mount Mayor Holland Perdue.
Sabin said contestants are chosen because they are active in the community and longtime supporters of the Spencer-Penn Centre.
“When I had the idea, I had a lot of people that said this is fantastic, we have to do this. When I started asking people, they said that’s great, but please don’t choose me,” she said.
Hatchett, who serves on the board of directors, was among the first people Sabin considered.
Meanwhile, Davis enters the contest with something of a winning tradition behind him.
“I’m excited because every year so far, someone from the sheriff’s office has won. I’m excited to see if Sheriff Davis will continue their reign,” Sabin said.
Sabin said the sheriff’s office has been one of the festival’s strongest supporters.
“They have all volunteered not only to compete, but to be present at the Pig Cookin’,” she said.
“Originally I didn’t expect the sheriff to agree,” Sabin said. “Davis is a big proponent of getting his department to be active in the community. He usually likes to see someone else take the fame.”
“Spencer-Penn does a tremendous amount for our community, and you look forward to any opportunity to help them raise funds, including kissing pig,” Davis said.
Romero, Sabin said, may be the least enthusiastic about the possibility of kissing a pig.
“I don’t think he’s thrilled to kiss a pig, so he’s really rooting for Sheriff Wayne Davis,” she said.
“I don’t know how to feel about a potential kiss with a pig. It’s for a great cause — helping the Spencer-Penn Centre continue to bring neighbors together through its many programs — so I’m all in,” Romero said. “I have, however, been encouraging the community to vote for Sheriff Wayne Davis or Monica Hatchett. I may have ‘forgotten’ to mention that I’m in the running too.”
Hall said he was honored to be asked to participate.
“When I was first approached about being part of this year’s event, I felt truly honored,” Hall said. “Opportunities like this allow us to give back to a place that has meant so much to our community.”
Hall, owner of BTW 21 and senior pastor of New Day Church, said the Spencer-Penn Centre has long been an important part of the community.
“BTW 21 has proudly supported the Spencer-Penn Centre for many years,” Hall said, noting the work of former director Mary Jordan and current director Susan Sabin.
“The Spencer-Penn Centre has long stood as a cornerstone of the community, hosting events, celebrations and gatherings while providing a welcoming space for families and visitors alike,” he said.
Like many community organizations, Hall said, the center has faced financial challenges in recent years.
“This event is about more than just great food and fun — though there will certainly be plenty of both,” Hall said. “It’s about ensuring that the Spencer-Penn Centre continues to serve our community for years to come.”
Hall said he also appreciates the other contestants and the spirit of the contest.
“I invite everyone to come out and be part of this special day,” he said. “And don’t forget to vote — your support makes all the difference. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to help raise money and, if it comes to it, kiss a pig for a great cause.”
The festival begins at 10 a.m. April 18 at the Spencer-Penn Centre.
In addition to the Pig Kissin’ Contest, visitors can expect barbecue, live entertainment and about 50 vendors.
Checkered Pig BBQ & Ribs is helping prepare Boston butts for the pulled pork barbecue. Attendees may purchase either a pulled pork sandwich or a barbecue plate with coleslaw. Eric Barnes of The Old Country Store is helping sponsor the kitchen, which also will serve chicken barbecue.
There will be both dine-in and to-go options.
“We want to make sure that everybody can come and have something to eat,” Sabin said.
About 50 vendors will be spread throughout the building and grounds. Scuffle Hill Brewing Co. will operate the beer garden.
“We really tried to bring back all the things people loved, and to ramp up the most popular things at the event,” Sabin said.
The Barnival also will return, with a tractor provided by James River Equipment pulling the children’s train.
Other activities include a bake sale and a used book sale benefiting the local library.
“Typically it’s some type of pie for the adults or cupcake or mini cupcake for the kids,” Sabin said.
Admission is free.
“It’s free admission, you don’t have to pay to get in,” Sabin said. “We want to have a huge turnout. We are praying for great weather, not too hot, not too cold.”
Sabin said some vendors will accept cards, but the event is primarily cash only.
To vote, visit spencer-penn-centre.square.site.
