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Hogeye returns, flooding downtown streets and businesses
The 36th annual Hogeye Festival, what many Elginites consider the biggest day of the year, fought through the rain and provided thousands with a weekend full of jubilee and pig-themed entertainment.
With the streets dressed in pink, local artisans and vendors accompanied games and grill masters, bringing together the city to exemplify everything it is that makes a small Texas town something to celebrate.
Downtown businesses welcomed the influx of patrons, happy to share with them what Elgin has to offer.
“Hogeye brings so many out-of-towners and introduces them to the people of downtown and our shops,” said Jeanette Shelby of the Lions Club Thrift Shop, whose foundation donates over $40,000 every year back into the community.
There was no sense of competition between the visiting vendors and the Main Street staples, recognizing that Hogeye is all about togetherness.
“It’s free to come and it’s all handmade items. People can go to a flea market and get stuff anytime, but here is great, original items,” added Shelby.
Others, like Lo-Fi Coffee House and Studio, offered vendor discounts and custom Hogeye merch.
“It’s been insanely busy, everyone’s been really patient and super nice,” said Ashley Dahlke.
Accompanying the sights of the stands were the smells of the chefs participating in the barbecue cook-off held at Elgin’s Chamber of Commerce, and featured an onslaught of smokers stationed with unique meat recipes.
Firewild On Main catering had their whole hog rotisserie on display, whose crackling meat was donated to the Empty Bowl Project.
“Community, togetherness, it’s a small town with a lot of people and character.”
— Denim Hadsall, proud Elgin resident
Photo by Niko Demetriou “We’re trying to show what we can do for the community, this is what started everything,” said cook Pat O’Brien.
Police and fire patrol were on hand, ensuring everyone’s safety as the afternoon unfolded. Police Chief Chris Noble was happy to share that there weren’t any serious issues or complaints to attend to.
Volunteers were also stationed at every inflatable game and children’s activity, busy for the entirety of the family affair.
The Parks and Recreation Center’s “big blue blocks” made a return, quickly becoming a town favorite.
For adults, Minnie’s on Main, downtown’s new upcoming bistro, held a margarita competition, with the winner’s recipe earning a spot on their menu.
Through rain and all, a sense of neighborly communion shone through.
“It completely integrates the entire community. It feels safe and there’s activities for everybody, sweets and treats,” said Tana of To the Point Knives.
Hogeye once again proved that Elgin has more to offer than its size might suggest.
“Community, togetherness, it’s a small town with a lot of people and character,” said Denim Hadsall, as his pork belly sizzled on the grill.
