Full Circle


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Full Circle

By Libbie Summers, Food Editor

1973 Missouri State Fair Greased Pig Scramble (10 year old girls heat)

For those of you who don’t know what a greased pig scramble is, let me fill you in quickly. Line up anywhere from 50-100 kids (hopped up on cotton candy) at one end of a large open rodeo rink and let 4 greased pigs go at the other end. The object is to beat out all the other kids and catch a pig, haul it to the designated fenced in pen and put it in the pen by lifting it over the fence. In 1973, this won you twenty five dollars and some bragging rights at the Midway.

I think the older farm boys (waiting their turn for the next heat) somehow knew I was a formidable city girl opponent…even with my clearly too white shorts, crisply pressed Lacoste shirt and clean Chuck Taylors. They whispered together in a redneck huddle and then told me to just wait for a pig, grab it’s tail and crank it like a jack in the box. Apparently, if I did that, the pig would sit like an obedient dog while I handily picked him up and put him in the pen without a worry…garnering my place on the podium and twenty five dollars in my pocket. It didn’t go unnoticed that they were laughing.

What those mean farm boys didn’t know was my grandparents ran a small boutique hog farm outside of Moberly, Missouri. I had spent my fair share of time around swine and there was one thing my grandmother, Lula Mae, taught me for sure…Pigs don’t move for anything…unless greased and chased!
What was going to get this girl staring at the Missouri State flag, hand over heart and twenty five large in her pocket was speed and brute strength.

As you can see by the photo. I DID earn bragging rights that night at the Midway. My friends and I spent every last dime of my twenty five large having the time of our lives until the rides shut down.

Today, I’m so proud to be working with Paula and her partner Smithfield Foods. Who knew that when I lifted that pig over the fence, so many years ago, it would be just a snapshot in my pig loving life. Funny how things come full circle. 

Eat something homemade (preferably with bacon),
Libbie

Your thoughts mean the world to us and we read every comment you leave. So many of you have been surprised when we answer a question! Please let us know what you are thinking by leaving comments at the end of articles and recipes or by emailing me at foodeditor@pauladeen.com.

P.S. My mother tells me it took two weeks to get the greased pig smell out of my hair and her house! I think I can kind of still smell it to this day…

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Reader Comments:

I love Paula she is the best. She is just so cute! I love her and her stories are the best.
Her stories are of real America. Its refreshing.
Keep it up Paula my house loves you!

By Heather on August 19, 2010

Hey Libbie thanks for making us Missourians proud.  Show them boys how a real girl catches a pig.  Keep up the good work.

By Thom Brandt on March 29, 2010

Paula, one of these days I’ll tell you the story of piglet roadkill.  It’s a hoot & so true.  I think you’re doing a brilliant job with the family & work.  My girls & I enjoy you so much.  My 4 & 6 year old flip through the t.v. to find you because they KNOW I’ll drop everything to come watch with them.  And their favorite quote is, “Hey Ya’ll”!  (Said in true Paula Deen fashion). We love ya!

By Lisa Bowman on March 15, 2010

I am having so much fun reading your facebook entries and now I find myself here at Paula Deen’s web site…you all are so entertaining.Thank you for the delightful recipes and stories.

By Becky Lyons on March 12, 2010

Paula,
I loved the pig story and picture, also I watch your shows whenever I can and try your recipes.  Also we plan to come through Savannah, Ga the first full week in April and want to eat at The Lady and Sons.  Lunch or Supper, either one, I hope we can get in.
Susan

By Susan Adkins on March 12, 2010

Wow,
I remember trying that while at camp one summer at the age of around 9. I was unsucessful and got muddy from head to toe….It was alot of fun! I was such a tom boy at the time…lol!
Good Job Libbie!

By Natalie Myrick-Whittaker on March 12, 2010

That’s a great story (greased pig) living in a small town we still have our county 4-H fairs—not greased pig contests but kids have their 4-H livestock in for judging.

By Paula on March 12, 2010

I love this picture, did you also participate in the
mutton busting?

By debi ainsworth on March 12, 2010

yee-haw Libbie…. I love it! Don’t you love bestin’ boys? I myself was raised with 2 brothers so it does my heart good to hear this story. Thanks for the laugh.

By Carla on March 12, 2010

I loved this artical. It reminded me of when I spent the summer on my brothers goat farm.

By christina Anderson on March 12, 2010

I watch Paula every morning on the Food Network at 9am pst, I never miss it.

By christina Anderson on March 12, 2010

I absolutely love all of your articles Libbie! If you can wrestle down a greased pig you can do anything!

By Corey on March 12, 2010

OMG - that is the best picture EVER smile 

Now that is a REAL girl!

By BJ Anderson on March 08, 2010

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