KISS THE PIG
2025 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 2025:​
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Back in Motion
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E.D. Locke Public Library
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Grace Coffee – McFarland
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Green Lantern
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Maple Tree Supper Club
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McFarland House Café
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McFarland School District Admin Office
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Parade route (PDF) - September 28th only
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Pockets fresh out of spare change? Don't worry, we've got an online payment option for you!
Andrew Garvey
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Waubesa Intermediate School 5th Grade Teacher
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Nominated by 2024 recipient: Becky Rogers
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Charity of choice: UW Carbone Center
Brian Doolan
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Physical Therapist/Owner of Back in Motion​
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Nominated by 2024 recipient (and winner): Chase Horne
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​Charity of choice:​ Spartan Samaritan Group
Brian Hawn
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McFarland High School Tech Ed Teacher
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Nominated by 2024 recipient: Meghan Fessler
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Charity of choice: Dane County Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS)
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.
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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.
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!