Oink for Owensboro pig statues return to Convention Center lawn

July 3, 2020 | 12:06 am

Updated July 2, 2020 | 11:51 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

The giant, hand-painted fiberglass pigs that have dotted downtown Owensboro and surrounding areas since 2018 are entering their final chapter.

For six days—from yesterday to next Tuesday —the 20 Oink for Owensboro statues will be corralled into a single “pig pen” outside the Owensboro Convention Center for public viewing. After Tuesday, the pigs will return to various locations in and around downtown Owensboro until October, at which point some pigs may be permanently relocated to new resting places. The decision is up to the donors behind each statue.

Started in 2017 by Specialty Foods Group (SFG), makers of Kentucky Legend premium smoked meats, Oink for Owensboro is a philanthropic art project that has raised $100,000 for local non-profits while adding a little local flavor to the city.

“I am excited the city can partner with Kentucky Legend again to display the Oink for Owensboro project,” said Tim Ross, Director of Public Events for the City of Owensboro. “The sculptures are really incredible works of art to have on display downtown and remind us of the great partnership with Kentucky Legend and the sponsors helping raise so much for local charities.” 

After seeing the success of similar projects, like the painted horses of Lexington’s Horse Mania project, SFG had the “pig idea” for Owensboro to do its own version as a way to encourage support for local charities.

Pigs were chosen to represent Owensboro’s rich history of agriculture, meat production and barbecue.

Each pig represented a $5,000 donation to an area non-profit.

“Getting this project up and running was so much fun,” said Brooklyn Maple, Brand Manager for Kentucky Legend and other SFG brands.

Maple said they are thankful to all the groups that joined in, naming and designing their pigs and helping them hit their goal of raising $100,000.

“Even though this project is obviously near and dear to our hearts, we’ve decided to move on in order to free ourselves up to consider new ways that Kentucky Legend can support our Owensboro community going forward,” Maple said. “At Kentucky Legend, we’re always brainstorming about that.”

July 3, 2020 | 12:06 am

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