This year’s Hog Days Festival is serving up a sizzling surprise—pork sandwich prices are oinking their way upward. While festivalgoers may find their wallets squealing just a little louder than usual, organizers say the increase is necessary to meet the demands of rising meat costs and other expenses.
According to event co-chair Larry Flannery, both pork patty and pork chop sandwiches will cost $1 more this year. Pork patties will be priced at $4, and pork chop sandwiches will sell for $6 each.
Flannery said the decision stems from a range of contributing factors.
“When you put everything together, and with the tariffs, it’s safer if we raise it by a dollar,” he said. He also noted that if prices decline in the future, the committee may consider returning to the previous prices.
Despite the increase, Flannery believes Hog Days still offers some of the lowest festival sandwich prices in the region. The committee, he said, carefully considered the impact before reaching a decision.
“We had some long soul-searching conversations,” Flannery said. “The decision was made by a group of people from 40 to 89 years old. Most of us are on a fixed income. We do not want to make it difficult. We want to keep it family friendly and affordable.”
Prices for the sandwiches had remained unchanged since 2021. Flannery emphasized that the modest hike is essential to sustain the event and keep it accessible for families. And while sandwich prices are going up, other festival costs that are under the control of the committee—along with carnival tickets—will remain unchanged.
Entertainment, coordinated by Co-Chair Mike Komnick, is nearly finalized, with only two short time slots left that will be filled by local talent, he said.
Hog Days programs are now available at the Hog Days building or through committee members. Calendars will be distributed to sponsors and then offered to the public.
