Prim Hog Day

Words by Lulu Castiglione

As legend has it, back on February 2, 1856, Claudius the Hog squeezed through a small hole in the fence around his pen and ran up and down the streets of the quiet town of Swinton, known today as Swing Times   The town's children chased Claudius through the streets.  As he dashed through the fields and the children followed him to the frozen river, a great tradition was born.  Every year on Prim Hog Day, the children and adults of Swing Times meet on the green and watch as one little Piggy escapes from her pen and runs around the town and follow her in great pursuit. 

In this year of 1943, the eighty seven year old tradition continued.  Swing Times residents, shop owners and friends alike gathered on the great green and awaited the chase of our little Piggy all around the town.  Among the gathered participants were Swing Times first family Captain Paul and Mrs. Alesha Creighton along with their two youngsters, big brother Paul Jr. and new born Rose,  Victory Cafe and Market owner, Mr. Sed Southpaw and his paramour Miss Nico, proprietor of Hot Shots Billiard Parlor, among others.  All were dressed in Victorian morning garb as they anxiously awaited Miss Piggy's run.  With a quick start, Piggy ran under Mrs. Creighton's skirt and past the crowd and she was off. 

The chase led the frenzied group around the green and out onto Central Avenue.  We circled around and ran past the Arcadian and down past Higbee's Department store.  Down Arsenal Avenue and back through the green.  Out on to water where they finally caught up to Piggy on the ice at the edge of the garden. 

As the shivering crowd huddled on the ice, Miss Piggy let it be known in her own special way that spring was on its way.  The participants were happy that spring was just around the corner.  All were treated to lunch at the home of local resident, Miss Lulu Castiglione.  Until next year Piggy!