Hogs for the Cause

Team Pig Slayer prepares for rock and roll or battle at Hogs for the Cause last year.

And you thought you wouldn't have to read about Hogs for the Cause this year?

That's right. Hogs is turning four next Saturday, March 24th with a huge birthday party at City Pork. I will go ahead and answer the first question you have, no we are not going to run out of beer. Thanks to a free agent pickup that is second only to the Saints getting Drew Brees, Crescent Crown Distributing scooped up the distribution rights to NOLA Brewing last Spring. The result for you beer drinker is four trailers with five taps a piece plus enough canned beer to make Time Saver jealous.

In addition to beer, we are pouring two wines from Mad Max's Neat Wines just in case you find that smoked hogshead cheese needs something with more heft than beer. Back by popular demand, Mar Go Ritas returns with their kid tested, mother approved pouches that pack a punch. The vendor list is strong with snowballs, Taceaux Loceaux, St. James, Big Wil and the Warden, Sucre, Oak Street Cafe, and more. Mississippi Rail Co., Stooges Brass Band, Marcia Ball, The Gourds, VOW All Stars, and Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue provide the pigharmonic orchestral tunes to keep the party going into the night.

After dropping their pig on the ground in season two of Hogs, Team Swine Krewe had revenge on their minds for Hogs Season Three. 

Plus, don't forget with 60 teams competing for your fundraising dollars the pork will flow like the Salmon of Capistrano. Each team has a piggy bank and their goal is to raise as much money as possible. They do this by offering samples of their food in exchange for money. You are familiar with capitalism, no? Drop a ticket, cash, or check into the bucket and thou shall receive a sample of pulled pork or a rib or maybe a pork belly corn dog. Teams are also raffling off prizes everything from helicopter tours (good way to engaged) to spots on a Memphis in May BBQ team, from a Saints tailgate with 10 tickets to dinner in a chef's office for six people.

Becker Hall at the first Hogs for the Cause, attempting to control the massive crowds. Or guide in an airplane, not really sure.

All of this "fun raising" is for the Cause. When Hogs started we had no idea of the financial strain families faced when their children were diagnosed with brain cancer. To date and with your help, Hogs for the Cause has given out over $75,000 to families. In the last two months, we have lost two of our grantees to this horrific killer. And while such loss is heartbreaking, it only strengthens our resolve to do more. We are very excited that this year, Cameron, one of our grantees will be at Hogs enjoying the day with you. Our goal is to shatter all previous pork, pediatric brain cancer fundraising records and raise $350,000 this year.

Tickets can be purchased online. Pre-sale general admission tickets are $10 (pre-sale ends Friday, March 23rd at 7 pm); $20 at the gate. But if you are like me, you are a pay one price kind of person. For you we have two new ticket packages. Market Hog is a $100 ticket. But that gets you unlimited food from competitors and beer and soft drinks all day and night.

If you really want to prove your superiority, the Boss Hog pass is for you. Boss Hog gets you all the privileges of Market Hog, plus access to the Boss Hog tent with catered food, an open bar, and private restaurants. Plus, if you call right now, because I can't do this all day, get a Boss Hog pass and you can judge one of the food categories. And I'll throw in a $150 tax deduction receipt. All of this for $250. I am not sure Jefferson got this good of a deal on Louisiana. I know for certain, there was no bacon involved.

See you next Saturday, rain or shine at City Pork.