The Ripley County Fair Board sponsored "Greased Pig Contest" reintroduced during last year's fair, found the same favor again this year as an event in front of the grandstand on opening night, Sunday, July 22.

Following a full day of 4-H Horse and Pony exhibition contesting that began at 9 a.m., an antique tractor pull sponsored by the Osgood Lions Club with the assistance of Kevin Menchoffer Pull Sled Rentals that began in front of the grandstand at 11 a.m., the 4-H poultry judging and annual ribbon cutting ceremony on the free stage among other activities, led to an opening day ending with the "Greased Pig Contest".

This year's contest was broken down into individual catagories, seperated by school grade attained, then concluded with a final 3-person team sponsored contest.

Third - Fifth grade

Opening this year's event, 25 individuals, ranging between the third and fifth grade, were divided into four groups with the first two individuals catching pigs in each group advancing to the final round where a single class winner was established.

The third through fifth grade winner was Morgan Peetz. Others participating included: Austin Brunner, Bryer Franklin, Dylan Beck, Cale Beck, Mariah Day, Wyatt Day, Dakota Sams, Jonathan Beeler, Courtney Bruns, Eriel Truitt, Connor McCarthy, Luke Thomas, Morgan Peetz, Sebastain Seever, Jacob Jines, Jesse Steele, Anthony Dickman, Will Neal, Abby McCarthy, Cody Samples, Brendon Jeffries, Collin Perrell and Brenom Smith.

Sixth - Eighth grade

This year's second age group to participate included 20 individuals who were divided into four groups with the first two individuals catching a pig in each group advancing to the final round where again a single class winner was established.

The sixth through eighth grade winner was John Horstman. Others participating included: Haley Shadday, Cady Garcia, Olivia Voss, Jordan Day, Shelby Hiltenbeitel, Kristen Murray, Graci Wyatt, Destini Parsons, Carah Beck, Noah Yatsko, Jessica Berger, Liz Rennekamp, Katelyn Ertel, Brook Elston, Andrea Arney, Dillon Prather, Nathan Flaspohler, Jimmy Rennekamp and Levi Stenger.

Ninth - Adult group

The final group of individuals included fifteen individuals who were divided into two groups with the first three individuals catching a pig in each group advancing to the final round where as before, a single class winner was established.

The ninth through adult winner was Rebecca Weber of Sunman, an East Central HS freshman. Others participating included: Ben Westerman, Sam Wessel, Jordan Powers, Maria Voss, Ashley Braunagel, Austin Bradley, Karrie Decker, Paige McQueen, Bailey Raye Howard, Russina Moore, Mariah Grunkmeyer, Nick Schwegmeyer, Austin Murray and Ben Minnick.

3-Person Team Event

Concluding this year's "Greased Pig Contest" event were 35 3-person teams who were divided into five groups with the first two teams penning a pair of pigs in each group advancing to the final round.

Winning teams advanced to a showdown where again a single winning team was established.

The team winners for the 2012 Ripley County Fair "Greased Pig Contest" were Jac-Cen-Del graduates: Samantha White, Abbie White and Derek Jones. The team entered under the name "Gunsmoke".

It was discovered following the event that Derek and Abbie are engaged to be married this coming October.

Our congratulations and best wishes, Guess the final event could truly be deemed a double ring ceremony..........

Team names among the 35 signing up for 2012 included: Gunsmoke, Napoleon 4-H Country Club, Squealers, Pig Wranglers, MEL, The Hogs, Pork Chops, Bacon Bandits, Baconator, Piggy People, 3 Stooges, Porkers, Batesville FFA, The Foxes, Hillbilly Ninjas, Country Gals, BAS, Wild Hogs, Mud Dogs, 2 Old Guys & a Girl, Hog Wrestlers, Wild Hogs III, Hog Farmers, Colts, Pigly Wigly's, Pig Crushers, JD, Rib Wranglers, Bacon Wranglers, Pigly Wigly Jrs, The Jakes, Team 3, Mom + 2, Bacon Burgers, The Redneck Rodeo and St. Nick Catchers.

The total individual and team numbers included 165 participants. Nice turnout and great support by fair goers in the grandstands.

A key difference of this year's contest and the innaugural one of 2011 was that pigs were much larger and rather than put them over a fence, they were actually herded (wallered, pushed, backed, shoved, tricked, etc.) through it.