KISS THE PIG
2026 KISS THE PIG NOMINEES
Who do you want to see kiss a pig after Sunday's parade? Whichever nominee makes the most money donations will! The contest begins in early September and the locations will be announced here and on our social media channels. Donations of any size count!
Donation locations for 2026:
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E.D. Locke Public Library
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Grace Coffee – McFarland
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McFarland House Café
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McFarland Police Department
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McFarland School District Admin Office
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Parade route (PDF) - September 27th only
Pockets fresh out of spare change? Don't worry, we've got an online payment option for you!
Brian Redman
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McFarland Police Chief
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Nominated by 2023 recipient (and winner): Cassandra Suettinger
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Charity of choice: McFarland Police Department 2nd K9 Fund
Dana Schoemer
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McFarland High School Assistant Principal
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Nominated by 2025 recipient (and winner): Brian Hawn
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Charity of choice: McFarland Youth Center
Pete Williquette
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Waubesa Intermediate School PE Teacher
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Nominated by 2025 recipient: Andrew Garvey
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Charity of choice: McFarland Food Pantry
WHAT IS KISS THE PIG?
Kiss the Pig was a tradition that started in the adolescent years (1980s) of the Festival. Prominent leaders and/or organizations within the McFarland community were nominated as participants to kiss a pig if enough funds were raised for their charity of choice. Money collections were placed throughout McFarland prior to the Festival. Come the day of the Festival's parade, nominees were given one last chance to raise funds by walking through the parade. Over time, Festival committee members changed and the tradition faded away.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Festival reemerged in 2022, the committee decided to bring back this tradition. Similar to when it started, prominent leaders in McFarland were nominated (see previous nominees below) to raise money for their charity of choice.
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Each year, you can expect to see money collection stations throughout McFarland a few weeks prior to the Festival. It's a way to get the community involved and support various charities. It's also kind of fun to see a prominent leader in the community kiss a pig, too! We encourage everyone to consider donating to the nominee you want to see kiss a pig the most. Every donation makes an impact, not matter how small!