This year’s Pork Fest parade offered plenty of opportunities to ham it up.
“It’s very fun seeing all the little kids wave and everything,” said Gavin DeYoung, of Kouts, as he walked the parade route in his pink pig costume.
DeYoung walked with the Castongia Tractor contingent.
Temperatures had cooled somewhat by Saturday, making the costume bearable but still warm.
Dwayne Gross, of DeMotte, rode a Belstra float wearing his pig costume. “It’s pretty fun,” he said. “The kids seem to love it.”
Dawn Ailes, children’s librarian at Kouts Public Library, was dressed all in pink as she used a bubble gun to entertain the children.
“This is one of my most favorite things to do,” she said. “I love being out at community events to enjoy seeing people from generation to generation.”
Don Overmeyer, of Valparaiso, drove a 1908 Buick. “My grandfather bought this brand new,” he said, for $1,200. “It’s a lot of fun,” he said, to drive the parade route and see the admiring crowds.
Howard Swart, of DeMotte American Legion Post 440, rode shotgun in the post’s bright red car. “Great parade, great turnout,” he said as he enjoyed waving to the crowds.
James Drang, vice president of the Kouts Lions Club, said the festival isn’t necessarily a big moneymaker for his club, but he appreciates the visibility. “It’s always good to have a community event so well attended,” he said.
The parade allows the crowd to see their children in programs like soccer and band get recognition, too.
“It was actually pretty big for such a small town,” said Lauren Neiswinger, of Kouts, after seeing her second Pork Fest parade. “A lot of participation,” she said.
Kayla Cirak, of Crown Point, her sister-in-law, also enjoyed the parade. “It was fun. We got to watch her daughter.”
Cirak, who was a first-time Pork Fest attendee, said she was surprised by the number of exhibits and vendors.
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
