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7th Annual Pig Pickin’ to Benefit Watauga Arts Council August 2

Story by Corinne Saunders

The Watauga Arts Council’s 7th Annual Pig Pickin’ on Saturday, August 2, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. will bring the party once again to a farm in Sugar Grove owned by Appalachian State University’s Vice Chancellor Emeritus Ned Trivette.

After a satisfying meal cooked in the mountain tradition, talented local musicians will play old-time and bluegrass music and attendees can participate in an impromptu square dance in the barn.

A cake walk will feature cakes donated from area restaurants and bakers and two barn quilts will be raffled off.

“[Arts Council board member] John Turner and I are each doing one,” said Clara Hollar, co-chair of this year’s pig pickin’ and a special education teacher for Watauga County Schools. “[A barn quilt is] geometric designs painted on a piece of primed plywood,” she explained.

About 150 people are expected to attend the pig pickin’.

“People are there because they care about other people and they care about the arts and the community,” Hollar said. “We eat [and] enjoy the evening and the scenery,” she said. “Ned is very hospitable to have the grounds for people to enjoy [the pig pickin’].”

Along with the barbecue, the Watauga Arts Council’s annual pig pickin’ fundraiser features lots of great eats. Tickets are $40 per person. Trivette’s historic, restored farm contains mountain cabins, a renovated farmhouse and barn and an old cemetery. Visitors are encouraged to not only take in the views of surrounding mountains and countryside, but also to see the recently installed working windmill and explore the cabins and cemetery to learn about people who lived in the area years ago.

“Food is graciously provided by local businesses,” Hollar said, adding that Trivette will cook the pig and he and his sister will make some of the other main food items.

Hollar, who is serving her third term as an Arts Council board member, was inspired to co-chair the event because of its festive atmosphere and the impact the donations will have on Arts Council programs and services.
She is especially passionate about the funding that will go toward Arts Council’s children’s programs, Hollar said.

“You can’t go wrong when you get Watauga County people together; it’s just fun,” she added.

Joni West originally devised the idea for a pig pickin’ fundraiser and has served as chair until this year. She will offer guidance as needed to Hollar and co-chair Peggy Laine as they organize the event this year, Hollar said.

The minimum donation for the event is $40 per person or a group of four for $140. Children 12 and under are half price, and a $5 hot dog plate will also be available for kids. Tickets can be purchased with a credit card by calling the Arts Council.

For more information or directions, click to www.watauga-arts.org and click special events or call the Arts Council. To volunteer to help with the event, call the Watauga Arts Council office at 828-264-1789.

Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, August 2
Time: 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Ned Trivette’s Farm, Sugar Grove
Cost: $40 minimum donation per person/$140 for a group of four/Half price for children 12 and under