The Hog Festival weekend still packs four days of pork-fueled fun, but many beloved events once at the heart of Hog Days have faded into memory. Whether sidelined by waning participation or the absence of organizers, these gems once lit up the festival with local color.

Let’s take a look back at some of the long-lost highlights:

● Tour of Hog Heaven Bicycle Ride Cyclists pedaled scenic country roads on routes of varying lengths. It was fitness with a rural flair.
● Hogotta Regatta Jerry Rux brought calm to the chaos with this serene contest of radio- controlled sailboats on the Windmont Park lagoon.
● Square Dancing at Visitation Church Locals do-si-do’d across the Visitation School parking lot, turning boots and bellies into moving parts of Hog Days rhythm.
● Mr. Hog Days Pageant A brief but bold experiment where young men competed for the title of Mr. Hog Days. The crown proved elusive, and interest even more so.
● Pet Show Dogs, cats, and assorted companions took center stage, delighting crowds with wagging tails and hometown pride.
● Pork Patty Eating Contest Hungry contestants stacked up patties—and calories—in one of the festival’s most mouth-watering battles.
● Fire Department Water Fights A soaking-wet tradition that turned high-pressure hoses into high-volume laughter.
● Horseshoe Tournament at Chautauqua Park This time-honored sport once rang through the park with metal-on-metal clinks of competition.
● Garden Tractor Pull The ultimate showdown of pint-sized horsepower and oversized determination.
● Talent Show Locals belted out ballads, busted moves and brought hidden skills to the spotlight.
● Pigtail Contest Hair was twisted, styled, and sculpted into pig-themed creations that would make any barnyard proud.
● Hog Calling Contest “Sooee!” echoed across Kewanee as contestants hollered with gusto, each vying to be the voice hogs couldn’t resist.
● BHE Horse Show A showcase of grace and grit where horses and riders trotted toward applause.
● Drum and Bugle Corps Shows Kewanee attorney Scott Clemens brought the majesty of marching music to the high school stadium, giving Hog Days a touch of pageantry.
● Heinold Hog Races Pigs chasing cookies around a track—it was as wildly popular as it was short-lived, leaving fans squealing for more.

Can you name any other bygone favorites?

These events may be off the schedule, but they’re firmly on the map of Hog Days history—nostalgic footnotes that might just inspire a revival.