Watch pigs fly at sensational annual Pig-N-Ford Race in Tillamook

On your mark... get set... squeal!

As a relatively new transplant to the Pacific Northwest (seven and a half years living here so far), I'm still surprised every so often with something I'd never heard of. This week, I've been absolutely delighted to discover a nearly century-old tradition in Tillamook, Oregon: the Pig-N-Ford Races.

What is the Pig-N-Ford Race?

Held annually at the Tillamook County Fair, the Pig-N-Ford Races are a unique race in which racers grab pigs and race them around a dirt track in a Model T Ford. If that sounds wild, maybe understanding how the race works is in order.

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Before the race starts, each racer lines up their Model T Ford - stripped down and customized, cared for, and even sponsored - along the starting line. Then they stand on the outside of the track in a line up. Across from them is a tall, white box with segments inside them.

On "Go," the racers dart across the track on foot, and reach into the box to grab a pig (about 35 pounds in weight). Tucking the pig under their arm, the racers then run to their vehicle, use the hand crank to start it, and hop in the driver's seat with pig still in their arms.

Once they're in the seat, the drivers take off to circle around the track in their Model T Ford with their pig passenger. The pig must remain in the car securely - loose pigs are a problem. Thankfully, the Fords are low speed, and the pigs are held with respect and seem to even enjoy the ride at times.

When a lap is completed, the racer must stop their car and kill the engine, exchange their pig, and repeat the process twice more. Multiple races are held, with the finalists competing in the "World Championship" at the end of the fair. It's definitely a wild ride.

When did the Pig N Ford Races start?

The first Pig-N-Ford race was held in 1925, and some of the same cars that raced then still race today. Legend has it that some kind Oregon souls who captured and returned a loose pig in their Model T Ford inspired the event. Whatever it was that led to the race, it's remained a favorite activity and is now in its 99th year.

Today, the Pig-N-Ford Races have serious establishment, with an organization comprised of multiple franchises that are represented on the track each year. This helps ensure that everyone is abiding by the rules of the race.

Enough talk though - you have to really watch the video below to appreciate this hog-wild tradition.

The Pig-N-Ford Races will be at the Tillamook County Fair this weekend, August 7 - 10.

Many other PNW fairs are coming up in the next couple of months - why not take a look at what's coming for the Central WA Fair in September?