Pigs Fly features Texas Hold-'em
By GREG TAMMEN, Sentinel Staff Writer
Published: Friday, August 24, 2007 2:05 PM CDT
There will be more than just pork hitting the grill, as pigs are also expected to take to the sky during the annual When Pigs Fly In & Kansas City Sanctioned BBQ Contest today and Saturday at the McPherson Municipal Airport.
For the first time ever, attendants can also try their hand in luck during the Texas Hold ‘em playoff, beginning at 7 p.m. tonight at the main terminal hanger.
Texas Hold ‘em, currently the most popular poker variant, is a no-limit form of betting that has been heavily featured on the World Series of Poker and the World Poker Tour.
“This seems to be the really popular thing right now,” said Max Streit, tournament coordinator and plant manager for Serial Food Processors. “We're expecting to have between 48 and 70 players.”
Streit said that while this Hold ‘em tournament won't be for a cash-pot award, there will be numerous prizes ranging from grills to coolers. Eight players will be guaranteed a prize, with the overall winner receiving everything they require for grilling.
Tonight's opening ceremony start at 6 p.m. The evening's festivities include face painting, pony rides, a farm maze, powered parachutes, skydiving and tandem jumps.
The fun resumes at 6:30 a.m. Saturday with Kiwanis Club members serving biscuits and sausage gravy in the west hangar until 9:30 a.m.
Pigs Fly's main event is slated for takeoff at 9 a.m. with a farm maze, plane rides, skydiving, tandem jumps, face painting and pony rides. An antique airplane and cars show and an American Legion Riders Motorcycle Display will also be showcased.
According to Jennifer Burch, director of the McPherson Chamber of Commerce, the face of agriculture has changed tremendously since first originating, which is why a McPherson County Farm tour will give viewers a look at more than just our grandfather's “cows, plows and sows.”
Burch promised the tour to be “like no other.”
Beginning at 11:30 a.m., contestants will test their cooking skill on the grill as they compete for a spot in the national Texas choice and Jack Daniels' barbecue cook-off.
Due to public request, anyone can sample the entries and vote for their favorite dish during the People's Choice Award starting at noon. A fee of $7 will include a drink and a chance to give a nod to their favorite dish. Winners will be announced at 3 p.m.
For those unable to participate in the People's Choice event, Burch said concessions and smoked meat sold on site will fill the void.
She said turnout for festivals past have averaged between 300 to 400 people with lunch drawing more than 700.
On Saturday, the public is asked to park in the designated area at the south end of the airport. Transportation will be available to shuttle visitors.
When Pigs Fly In is sponsored by the McPherson Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture.
Proceeds will be donated towards the Agriculture of America scholarship fund, which will be awarded to a student from McPherson County who is pursuing a career in agriculture-related development.
TODAY'S SCHEDULE
6 p.m.--Official opening ceremony
6:30 p.m.--Face painting, pony rides, farm maze, powered parachutes, skydiving and tandem jumps
7 p.m.--Texas Hold'em Tournament - Main Terminal Hanger
8 p.m.--Cooks/Contestants meeting - East Hangar
11 p.m.--Cook's Quiet Time
SATURDAY
Park in designated area south end of airport and a surrey will transport you to all the events.
6:30-9:30 a.m.--Kiwanis Club serving biscuits and sausage gravy
6:30 a.m.--West Hangar Powered Parachutes
8 a.m.--KNGL/KBBE Plane Talk
9 a.m.--Farm Maze, Plane Rides, Skydiving, Tandem Jumps, Face Painting, Pony Rides, Antique Airplanes, Cars, American Legion Riders Motorcycle Display
10 a.m.--4-H Dog Obediance and Agility Demonstration; McPherson County Humane Society Pets Up For Adoption
11:30 a.m.--Smoked Meat To Take Home for sale $5 lb.; The People's Choice - sample contestants entries and get to vote on your favorite.
Noon--Official Kansas City Sanctioned BBQ Contest Judging Begins
3 p.m.--BBQ Winner Announcements
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