Pig races a fair hit

Photo by Breeana Laughlin

Photo by Breeana Laughlin

Photo by Breeana Laughlin

Pigs may not ever be able to fly, but fair-goers can watch pigs race at the Shasta District Fair until Sunday.

Cook's Racing Pigs is an interactive event featuring two races. Four pigs run in each race for an ice cream and Oreo cookie treat at the end of the course.

The pigs racing on Wednesday were rookies, and got a little confused at the start of the race. But once they gathered their wits, they ran down the course with vigor.

"These pigs race because they are well trained and not because they are hungry or thirsty," said Charles Cook, Cook's Racing Pigs owner.

The pigs can eat and drink 24 hours a day from self-feeders and waterers, he said.

Fair-goers watching the race are offered a free colored number ticket at the start of the race.

“If your color pig wins, you’ve automatically won a beautiful blue ribbon,” Cook told his audience.

T-shirts were also given away through a raffle during the event.

The pig racing attraction got its start at the 1986 California State Fair. Pigs have raced for their fans each consecutive year and have performed at more than 300 different events throughout the West.

Charles Cook, wife Tonia, son Charles Jr, and their trained pigs travel about 300 days a year to State and County Fairs in their custom built trailer "The Bacon Barn."

This mobile hog farm is the pigs home away from home. It has 2 air conditioners, 4 roof vents, a swamp cooler and a misting system.

Cook's Racing Pigs will hold races at the Shasta District fair every two hours from noon to 8 p.m. through Sunday, June 21.