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Things to do: Swine in spotlight for Piggy Plog Bingo

By Greg Williams 5 min read
Submitted photo The Rothrock Fair in McVeytown has something for all ages.

PORT ROYAL -- Piggy Plop Bingo returns to the Juniata County Fair on Friday, and the pigs are already acting like celebrities.

Fair volunteers swear the herd has developed egos. One pig reportedly refused to leave its pen until someone fluffed its straw. Another demanded a snack before agreeing to trot onto the field. It's unclear who taught them this behavior, but everyone suspects the goats.

At noon, the pigs will be released onto the bingo field, where they will wander with the confidence of animals who have absolutely no idea they're determining a $500 jackpot.

The rules are simple. You buy a $10 ticket. You stare at a pig. The pig stares back. You silently beg it to choose your square. The pig ignores you completely and wanders off to sniff something unimportant.

The suspense is unmatched. People lean over the fence like they're watching a championship game. Children cheer for pigs with names they invented on the spot. Adults pretend they're calm, then immediately lose their minds when a pig pauses near their number.

Some folks try to reason with the pigs, which is bold considering pigs do not speak English and do not care about your financial goals.

The moment of destiny arrives when a pig stops, thinks and delivers the plop heard around the Juniata County Fairgrounds.

The crowd erupts. Someone wins $500 dollars. The pig trots away like it deserves a parade. Everyone else vows to buy another ticket next year and swears their pig was this close to greatness.

The whole glorious mess happens at 308 W. 8th Street, where Piggy Plop Bingo has become a beloved fair tradition. It's chaotic. It's ridiculous. It's strangely beautiful. And best of all, proceeds support Kids' Night, the Barn Committee and youth agricultural programs, proving that even the most unpredictable pig can help a good cause.

If you've never witnessed Piggy Plop Bingo, this is your year. Bring your friends. Bring your luck. Bring your sense of humor. The pigs are ready. Whether they're ready for you is another story.

Bingo in McAlisterville Park

Come enjoy bingo and lunch at McAlisterville Park, 137 School St., with Centers In Motion. This event takes place on Friday, and is open to all adults age 55 and up in Mifflin and Juniata counties. They will start bingo at 10 a.m. with lunch to follow at 11:30 a.m. There is no cost to attend; program donations are appreciated for future events. For more information, call (717) 320-8273.

What's on the menu

Newton/Wayne turkey supper, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, hosted by Newtown/Wayne Volunteer Fire Co., 9 Market St., Newtown Hamilton. Meals are takeout only. The cost is $14 for a regular meal and $15 for all white meat. Call (814) 542-8968 starting at 8 a.m. the day of the supper to place your orders. Pickup starts at 1 p.m.

Fish and chicken tender dinner, 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Basom Park, 6972 Heister Valley Road, Richfield, hosted by Richfield Lions Club. Just drive up and grab your take-out meals. All meals are $12 and include fish and chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, pepper slaw, applesauce and dessert.

Fairs and shows

Third Annual Recovery Walk and Car Show, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Middleburg Carnival Grounds, 196 S. Charles St., Middleburg, hosted by Walking Free Clubhouse. Highlights include: noon to 4 p.m. car show, 3:15 p.m. 1-mile walk, 3:45 p.m. butterfly release and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. live music. The car show is open to call car makes and models. Plus, multiple trophy categories! Pre-registration costs $15, $20 on the day of the event.

Rothrock Fair, through Saturday, McVeytown. There will be live entertainment from The Steel Ridge, Chris Woodward and Shindiggin and Hillbilly Diesel, food and craft vendors, games provided by McVeytown Fire Co., an array of raffle baskets and more. Find more information on social media.

Free movie night in Reedsville

Join Reedsville United Methodist Church, 82 E. Logan St., Reedsville, at 6:30 p.m. Sunday for a free movie night. The movie will be "Hidden Secrets." Refreshments will be served. All are welcome! Reunited at the funeral of hometown hero Chris Hayden, the friends find tensions escalating rapidly as their darkest secrets are revealed. Jeremy, struggling with his calling as a former youth pastor, is caught in an awkward love triangle between his new fiancée and his old flame Sherry. As the embers of the past relationship reignite, Jeremy's fiancée Rachel, who is determined to solidify their relationship, demands he affirm his commitment to her.

Live entertainment

Remington Ryde Reunion Bluegrass Festival, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Sunday, Mifflin County Youth Fairgrounds, 110 W. Logan St., Reedsville, Lineup: Today features Ironwood Drive, Mark Milkos, Brush Mountain Band; Friday features Remington Ryde, Traditional Grass, Larry Efaw Bluegrass Mountaineers;

Saturday features Kids Academy, Nothin' Fancy, Remington Ryde, Larry Efaw Bluegrass Mountaineers. There will be food and craft vendors. Bring chairs. The event is rain or shine. For more information, call (717) 348-3537.

Ryan Carter Band, 6 to 9 p.m. today, Shy Bear Brewing, 35 Meadowbrook Lane, Lewistown.

Trivia Night, 6:15 to 8 p.m., Hungry Run Wine Bar and Bistro, 10042 Route 522 South, Lewistown.

Friday Night Under the Lights, Rocky Ridge Ranch, 4357 Ferguson Valley Road, McVeytown. Exhibition at 5:30 p.m. and show at 7 p.m.

Shine Delphi, 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Shy Bear Brewing, 35 Meadowbrook Lane, Lewistown.

Campfire Saturday Night with Ryan Russler, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Seven Mountains Wine Cellars, 324 Decker Valley Road, Spring Mills.

The Unmentionables, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Hungry Run Distillery, 10 Ridens Road, Lewistown.

Ryan Carter Band, 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Burnt Timbers Winery, 45 Fisher Bee Lane, Granville.

Big Band Sound, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Shy Bear Brewing, 35 Meadowbrook Lane, Lewistown.

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Have an event coming up? Email the details to events@lewistownsentinel.com by 5 p.m. Tuesday the week of the event.

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