| Who
will kiss the pig this year?
Idaho County Free Press 
One of the lucky men named above will be the winner of the second annual Citizen Washington Focus (CWF) Kiss the Pig contest. “We really appreciate these guys ‘going whole hog,’” laughed Susie Heckman, Idaho County 4-H Program Director. “Seriously, we do want to thank them for their willingness to help out 4-H.” CWF encompasses a group of 4-H members from throughout Idaho County who will join other 4-H’ers from across the nation on a trip to Washington, D.C., in 2012. These students will learn better how the U.S. government works. They have been fund-raising for this trip for two years. Idaho County Sheriff Doug Giddings, as last year’s ‘pig kiss winner,’ will pass down his sash and the 2011 winner will kiss the grand champion pig Saturday, Aug. 20, at the livestock show. “Remember, when you get down in the mud with the pigs, the pigs love it,” Giddings said. To vote for a favorite pig-kissing coach, votes can be purchased at the fair for $1 each. “Yes — you buy your votes. Normally, that would be illegal, but not in this contest,” laughed Heckman. “The coach receiving the most votes will have the honor of kissing the pig,” Heckman said. “So get to the fair and buy those votes!” Who are the contestants? Marty Smith, Lowell: Clearwater Valley High School football coach Ever in 4-H? Unfortunately, No. I do raise chickens now. Favorite fair activity: In addition to eating great burgers from the concession stands, I enjoy strolling through the barns and looking at the names of each 4-H participant and their entry. I also like the antique farming equipment section. Favorite animal: My bulldog, Rebel. If you were the pig judge at the fair, what qualities would you look for in a grand champion pig? I guess it would be a large size, a healthy coat, and it would have to have some personality. What is your favorite cut of pork? Baby back ribs. How much do you think the grand champion pig will weigh? Not sure, how about 250 pounds? Why did you accept the nomination to be a candidate in this race? To support the youth of Idaho County. And because the students at Clearwater Valley have a rich heritage of participating in 4-H and the Idaho County Fair, and they twisted my arm. What other community organizations do you support or are you involved in? I’m not a teacher, so I’ve always gladly considered coaching football as a form of community support. I’ve also been involved in the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association because I am a river outfitter, and we put on fund-raisers that benefit children and provide scholarships. Also, I’ve been involved in the Idaho Travel Council which has a grant program for local communities to help the tourism industry. Lastly, my family and business have provided support for Clearwater Valley athletics throughout the years. If you win this race and receive the honor of kissing the grand champion pig, how do you plan to celebrate? After I wash my face, I’ll probably go home and eat some baby back ribs. Additional comments There is a lot of hard work that goes into putting on the fair, thank you to those who contributed. Congratulations to the Idaho County 4-H participants, you should be proud of your accomplishments this year. Jeff Lindsley, Grangeville: Grangeville High School football coach Ever in 4-H? Yes, entered water paintings Favorite fair activity: The food Favorite animal? As a fair animal, a steer If you were the pig judge at the fair, what qualities would you look for in a grand champion pig? If I were the judge and had to kiss the pig, probably the biggest lips. What is your favorite cut of pork? Ham How much do you think the grand champion pig will weigh? I don’t know, whatever last year’s pig weighed. Why did you accept the nomination to be a candidate in this race? I try to promote the 4-H program What community organizations do you support or are involved in? Lions Club and coaching the boys’ football team If you win this race and receive the honor of kissing the grand champion pig how do you plan to celebrate? Have a ham sandwich Other comments: Hope everyone has a great time! Charley Shepherd, Riggins: Salmon River High School football coach Ever in 4-H? No Favorite fair activity: Looking at the animals. Favorite animal? horse If you were the pig judge at the fair, what qualities would you look for in a grand champion pig? Size and cleanliness. What is your favorite cut of pork? Nothing How much do you think the grand champion pig will weigh? 500 pounds Why did you accept the nomination to be a candidate in this race? I was asked very nicely What community organizations do you support or are you involved in? Booster Club If you win this race and receive the honor of kissing the grand champion pig, how do you plan to celebrate? I will bring my family to the fair. Other comments: I wish all of the other coaches extreme luck in this race Travis Mader, Cottonwood: Prairie High School football coach Ever in 4-H? No Favorite fair activity: Watching my students show off their animals and of course the food booths! Favorite animal? I like them all If you were the pig judge at the fair, what qualities would you look for in a grand champion pig? Leanness of the hog and how well it’s handled in the arena. What is your favorite cut of pork? Bacon How much do you think the grand champion pig will weigh? 245 pounds Why did you accept the nomination to be a candidate in this race? I have always wanted to kiss a pig and my students promised me that I would win, so this will give a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream. What community organizations do you support or are involved in? I try to support anything that involves kids. If you win this race and receive the honor of kissing the grand champion pig how do you plan to celebrate? I will probably order up one of Dr. Ostrander’s pulled pork sandwiches. |
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