WOODSTOCK, Va. (WHSV) – The decades-long annual tradition of pig racing at the Shenandoah County Fair has raised concerns about the tradition among animal rights activists.

The pig race at the Shenandoah County Fair has been one of the top events for years. Children ages 3 to 8, with grease-smeared hands, chase pigs in a pen, catch them and take them home to care for as a prize.

“The most important thing about what we do here is to teach these kids a little responsibility,” says Jim Eastep, director of the Shenandoah County Fair Association.

Eastep, 81, has been attending the fair since he was eight years old and says the fair and events like the pig race are an opportunity for children to interact with farm animals while learning something and staying safe. Eastep also says the pigs are humanely cared for before and after the event.

While some support this tradition and consider it harmless fun on the streets, critics argue that it is outdated and an inhumane practice.

Tina Ciccariello started a petition protesting the event near the festival. Ciccariello says pigs are prey animals; their instinct is to flee, and a live animal should not be greased and caught. Ciccariello argues that the behaviors taught at the event could have a negative impact on the children who attend.

“Has anyone else been scared? Has anyone ever been chased? And if so, how did it make you feel?” Ciccariello said. Ciccariello also fears that pigs are mishandled in competition, often resulting in injuries, and is calling on the fair’s board to change its practices and traditions.

The Pig Scramble will be held on August 28th at 6 p.m. at the Shenandoah County Fair, 300 Fairground Road, Woodstock, VA 22664.

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