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Labadie Pig Gig Growing Every Year By Robert E. Martin Click here to go to the site!! The Labadie Pig Gig is nine years old and organizer Wendy Dore beams with pride at the many marvelous ways her 'offspring' has grown. Without doubt, the most significant change is the increase in the number of charities that will benefit from this year's endeavor. "When we started nine years ago, the Boy & Girls Club of Bay City was the primary recipient of our work," explains Wendy. "And while they are still a pivotal reason for doing this event, this year we are helping a total of 15 charities, including The Literacy Council, The Salvation Army, Bay County Society for Crippled Children & Adults, the American Red Cross, the Bay County Women's Center, The Johnny Burke Children's Foundation, Studio 23, and several others." The 2001 Labadie Pig Gig will run from August 2nd - August 5th in Veteran's Memorial Park in Bay City. Last year over $50,000 was raised, which according to Dore brings the total funds generated from this event to over $155,000. "With the support of the Labadie Company, we hope to contribute an even larger amount this year," notes Dore. This Championship Rib Cook Off is the setting for national competitors vying for the title of The Best in the Midwest. Rib champions from around the country and even from around the world will be attending the event. The public will vote for the Peoples Choice award using the Spring PCS Cellular Voice Mail phones that will be on-site. 2001 Pig Gig entertainers, The Little River Band According to Wendy, another new addition to this great summer event is the 2001 Midwest Watercross Tour, which will present personal watercraft races, sponsored by Saginaw Powersports Center. Over 200 racers from all over the Midwest will be competing to qualify for the Watercross World Championship. Closed course and obstacle courses will provide spectators with some exciting entertainment, affording a bird's eye view from the bleachers for this two-day event, which is free of charge with paid general admission. Lumberjack competitions will also return at the middle of the fairgrounds this year. This show features logrolling, chopping, ax throwing and more, and affords a historical, educational, and humorous exchange with the audience. Country Star Tracy Lawrence Six individual Pig Races will also return each day of the event. You can bet on your favorite pig to 'bring home the bacon.' One of the participating charities will host the races with all proceeds donated to that charity. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Bay County will once again staff the Kids Kraft center and feature many activities and contest, while Lecronier's Baby Acres will provide a children's petting zoo. Additional events scheduled include the Celebrity Rib Challenge, in which local media personalities compete against each other with their own 'secret recipe' to win 'Best Celebrity Ribs'. The first 100 people to vote will receive a special gift. Other games and contests include the Jalapeno Eating Contest, Pig Calling, and the Piggy Parade led by the Parachuting Piggy. As for entertainment, the 2001 Labadie Pig Gig will again provide the best family & musical entertainment. Continuous entertainment will be ongoing throughout the weekend. Dance troupes, magicians and local comedy stars will provide family fun every minute of the day, with nightly concerts featuring National acts. K.C. of K.C and the Sunshine Band Thursday evening will feature Fly performing at the Kick-off Party, while Friday Night will feature the adult contemporary sounds of The Little River Band. Saturday night will showcase country artist Tracy Lawrence, while Sunday evening will spotlight 70s Disco with K.C. & the Sunshine Band. These four great concerts would normally cost anywhere from $25-$50 per show, but are only $15.00 for all four concerts if you purchase tickets in advance at all Bay City & Midland 7-11's, Dore Enterprise, Dutch Village and Labadie's on Euclid in Bay City. Kids 12 and under are free and tickets for the Pig Gig are only $5.00. All advance tickets for the nightly shows must be purchased by August 1st. Each day's passes includes that day's concert and the Personal Watercraft Races. Plus, $15.00 reserved seats can be purchased through the API office by calling 989-684-8410. These seats are directly in front of the concert stage and will offer great viewing. "When we started the Pig Gig we would have about 15,000 people attend," concludes Wendy. "Now we are drawing around 40,000 people. The number of charities that this event benefits continues to grow each year and we thank the community, sponsors, and participants for supporting this worthwhile fundraising event." For more information, check out the Pig Gig website at www.piggig.com.
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