The PREBLE COUNTY PORK FESTIVAL is a two-day event (Saturday -
Sunday) which takes place annually on the third full weekend of
September. The purpose of the festival is to promote the pork
industry, a major source of income to Preble County. Pork is
featured as the major food item throughout the festival. Come
early and start the day with the all-you-can-eat sausage and
pancake breakfast, snack throughout the day at convenient soft
drink and sandwich stands, have lunch at the Porkhaus Short Order
Restaurant with ham and sausage sandwiches, individual barbecued
pork chops, chips, pork rinds, coffee, pie and other goodies or
really "pig-out" at the famous Barbecued Pork Chop
Smorgasbord. Don't be intimidated by the food lines-they move
quickly. Then, before you leave, stop by the Porkville Country
Store and pick up a fresh pork loin, some bacon, ham, sausage or
pork chops to take home.
While you're walking around the grounds stop by the barbecue pits
and see 2,500 pork chops on the grills at one time. Don't let a
little smoke bother you. The aroma will stimulate your appetite!
Watch apple butter being made and buy some to take home. Chill
out with some 4-H Club ice cream then get a bag of old-fashioned
sugar waffles to snack on. They're even shaped like a PIG!
The entertainment tent is a good place to sit, relax and enjoy a
top notch magic show, clogging, line dancing or C/W music. Plan
to attend the Sunday Morning Service and join with the Gospel
Sounds as they perform your favorite hymns and gospel songs. And
don't forget the Pig Races! Several heats are run each hour
throughout the day. The Pig Races are a real hit with kids (of
all ages).
The grandstand is the place to be on Saturday for a ring-side
seat to view one of the largest and finest parades in Southwest
Ohio. The parade features High School Bands from an extensive
area as well as floats, entries from other festivals and
organizations and many other entries. This parade is a
competition for the bands so you'll see and hear them at their
best. Bring your camcorder! IT'S ALL FREE!
The Preble County Pork Festival is also home to one of the
largest Arts & Crafts shows in the state with nearly 500
exhibitors in 750 spaces occupying over 90,000 square feet of
exhibit space. You'll be lucky to see it all in just two days.
The show features top quality merchandise and vendors are
strongly encouraged to demonstrate their crafts. Many products
are made on the spot. This is the place to find that one-of-a-kind
item, pick up new decorating ideas or get the jump on your
Christmas shopping.
Handicap parking is provided. There is also a "Tot-Spot"
to accommodate those with infants. Both men's and women's
restrooms at Bruner Arena, new in 1995, are also equipped with
convenient diaper changing facilities. While you're at Bruner
Arena check out the educational exhibits and demonstrations.
See a hog being butchered the old fashioned way. Watch sausage
being made. Cheer for your favorite participant in the pigtail
contest. Pick up some new pork recipes. Learn a little about pork
production. Near Bruner Arena is the Board of Directors tent
where you can buy a ticket for the annual raffle if you're
feeling lucky or purchase a T-shirt, sweatshirt, cap, keyring or
other souvenir of your visit to the festival.
Don't forget our commercial exhibitors. These folks work side by
side with the producers to help provide us with the bountiful
supply of affordable, top quality food that makes us the best fed
nation in the world. Stop, say "hello", and ask them
what their role is in the agriculture industry. They'll be glad
to explain.
This event is possible through the combined effort of over 1500
volunteers. The next time you eat a pork chop or see a pig -
think "PREBLE COUNTY PORK FESTIVAL" !
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