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Leamington’s Hogs for Hospice has grown so popular that it has grown beyond an event, says Joe Oswald, a member of the board of directors and an organizer of the weekend. It’s become a “movement.”
“We are a brand.”
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Such was the success of the three-day weekend at Seacliff Park, that featured concerts, vendors, food trucks, motocross shows, a biker rodeo, a church service and even a pancake breakfast.
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“Is there a different or a better word than perfect?” Oswald said upon being asked how the weenend was going Sunday afternoon. “I don’t know — is it like extra perfect?”
Oswald made the remarks in the wake of what he said was record attendance at the event and record attendance at the concerts, which have became a major attraction during the weekend.
Saturday night’s concert featuring country stars Jake Owen and A Thousand Horses, both from Nashville, TN, had more than 6,400 people, said Oswald. “It was it was a sight to behold.”
The annual event, which began after the Erie Shores Hospice opened in 2016, raises enough money to pay all the bills remaining after government funding, said Oswald.
“Hogs for Hospice was created so that we could pay every single bill that that was associated with that facility since that the doors have opened. Hogs for hospice has paid every single bill for every single family that has ever gone through that place.”
The importance of the hospice is much appreciated by the community, he said. “We can help those families at end-of-life care. It’s important that every human being dies with dignity so that their family can be family members and not caregivers.”
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Money comes from donations, from contributions during the church service, from merchandise sales and from sponsors, who have been exceedingly generous supporting the event, said Oswald.
And the support from the community is critical to the event’s success, he said. That support incudes 500 volunteers, and a year-round effort in planning.
“It’s a family-friendly event. We’re trying to bring south Texas to Southern Ontario and backing it up with southern hospitality. There’s no other event like this in Ontario.”
Melissa Smart and Tamara Burton, both from Chatham, say they haven’t missed a year since Hogs for Hospice was launched.
“The hospice is a good cause,” Burton said when asked why she visits every year. “And how friendly the city is.”
“When (local residents) see us uptown, often they stop and say thanks for coming, thanks for participating and it means a lot.”
Smart said the weekend is an enjoyable experience.
We enjoy this weekend, we come with a group of our friends, we … stay (just outside of Kingsville) for the weekend, ride our bikes down here and enjoy the atmosphere and the concerts. It’s a good time.”
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