The 21st Annual Swigart Hog Roast

One of the days I always look forward to is the second Saturday of October. That is when the Swigart family comes out of the woodwork and gathers for the annual family Hog Roast. We have it at Swigart Park (yes, that is where we got married) every year and it's always a good time. I would say we had close to 200 this year. No, it's not ALL Swigarts. We also invite our family, friends and also neighbors that live near the park along with anyone driving by that wants a pig sandwich. For the most part, we see a lot of the same faces every year. It's a time when people can show off there best dessert or hot dish. (How many ways can we make potatoes?)
Unfortunately, this year, we didn't get there in time to see them pulling the pig off the roaster. Sorry I didn't get any pictures of the pig for everyone to see. At 5pm we all seem to migrate around the food shelter as if we are ready to charge. My cousin Monte gives the blessing (via bullhorn)and kindly reminds us to go easy on the first round so everyone gets to eat what they want. After the blessing is over, it's a mad dash for the front of the line. CHAAAAAARGE! We weren't fast enough. We were about midway in the line. Since the line moves slow, we are left to ponder and fret over what may or may not be left when we get there. But never fear, there is always enough to go around. And everyone manages to be sickly full by the time it's over.
When everyone is finally filled up, they fire up the old John Deere for hayrides. We ride up and down the paths that are set through the woods. Don't forget to hang on tight! You never know when you might hit a rock and get a good bounce in the air. When the sun goes down, the hayrides are especially fun. The moon and stars are out to guide our way (along with the head lights). The older kids like to hide in the woods to try and scare us along the path.
After everyone has had there fill of fun, it starts to get cold. People either leave or head to the campfire. One of my favorite things is to be sitting next to Jonathan in front of the campfire. We enjoy the apple cider that heats over the fire while some grab a stick and bust into the marshmallows. The marshmallows usually end up looking like light torches swaying in the air.
At about 10pm, we are completely satisfied with the fun for the day and we are ready to go home. We give our hugs and say goodbye then make the cold mad dash in the dark to our car.
Another year in the books for the Swigart Hog Roast.