Nevis Pig Races

Description

According to Dave McCurnin, after visiting the pig races in Leader, MN when he was mayor of Nevis, a thought occurred: Why not Nevis? It would be a great way to bring more visitors to town and increase traffic for local businesses.
 
Within a few months, the Nevis Pig Races came to town in 2009. The featured race for the initial ”running of the pigs” was to make a final decision on the election for US Senate between Norm Colman and Al Franken. 350 votes separated them after the votes were counted.  Lawsuits, name calling and a great deal of anger ensued. Why not let the pigs decide it in 14 seconds, rather than the months that the courts require? Bleachers from the school were set up and local volunteers came out to help the initial race – planning for 300 folks at the most. Over 2000 visitors showed up for that first event! 
 
Today, additional bleachers are rented to accommodate the 1,500 to 2,000 people who attend, over 30 volunteers facilitate the smooth setup, administration and clean-up of the races.  Two post times are now the norm so that the crowds are handled.  And every year, there are games and prizes for the kids, a newlywed race (to determine who really wears the pants in the family) and a featured race which might cover politics, current events or a popularity contest.  For 2019, we hope to select the best classic comedy movie of the 70’s and 80’s with piglets running as Airplane!, Caddyshack, Animal House, Naked Gun and Blazing Saddles.

The Nevis Lions Club serves pulled pork sandwiches made from last year’s losers.  As the piglets and their sponsors are warned every year:  If you’re last, you’re lunch!