ENGLEFELD HOGFEST

In the early spring of 1972, Father Florian Renneberg suggested to the Englefeld Youth Club that a pork roast supper would be more profitable than the street dance they were planning, as it would involve a wider age group within the community. The youth agreed and he presented the idea to the Recreation Board  who decided they would put on the event, with help from the village organisations. The  concept for the first 'Hogfest' was born and the date was set for July 22, 1972.

As the date neared, the Rec. Board decided that five pigs would be roasted, over a  fire. John Schulte had a speed reduction gear box which was soon revised by his business, Schulte Industries, and a spit was designed that would hold the pigs on wooden poles and turn them to roast at a speed of 3 revolutions per minute.  

The whole community became involved, the K.C.s organized the roasting and cutting of the pork and the C.W.L. organized the preparation and serving of the supper in the skating rink. The youth group was involved with the many booths and games. The Rec. Board organized the Bavarian Gardens. Around 700 people showed up to enjoy the day which ended with a dance and a midnight lunch. Everyone felt the day was an extreme success and it became an annual event.

A the years went by, festivities started on Friday with a ball tournament, wiener roast and beer gardens. Shortly after dusk, everyone was treated to a spectacular fireworks display. A dozen or more whole hogs are placed on spits on Friday evening.  The hogs began cooking slowly and carry on through the night under constant watch until supper time on Saturday.

The Hogfest attracted large crowds and on average around 800 plates are served. The ball tournament finished on Saturday while the hogs are roasting. The town park was busy with activities for the kids while the rink had something of interest for everyone. A dance with beer gardens followed the supper and midnight lunch was provided. Sunday morning a pancake breakfast was available in the school gym. The efforts and support of the whole community helped to make the Hogfest an annual success for 50 years but everything must come to an end. Sadly the last Hogfest was celebrated in 2023.

Click here to find some information about  Hogfest 35 (Homecoming 2006).