Pickin’ pigs with a purpose

Margo Johnson waits — her eyes turning skyward at the sound of a familiar voice.

The 2-year-old knows what will happen when her grandfather leans down with a small plastic cup in his hand. This particular booth isn’t the duo’s first stop on its afternoon barbecue tour.

So when he finally extends a forkful of chopped pork, she opens her mouth and licks her lips.

“Do you like that one?” Peacock asks, watching the little girl’s reaction as she chews. “Yeah, she likes it.”

And after a hard swallow, Margo reaches for her reward — a crispy hush puppy — and savors bite after bite.

Hundreds of local residents braved overcast skies and a saturated parking lot to eat, play and enjoy the fellowship that has come to define the experience at Wayne County’s annual “Pig in the Park” festival at Old Waynesborough Park.

A blues band provided the soundtrack for children jumping in the mud and climbing trees, elderly couples dancing by the stage, and families filling their stomachs with the perfect combination of cool coleslaw and smoky meat.

Faces were painted. Cotton candy disintegrated on tongues. Balls were dunked into an inflatable basketball goal. There was laughter and hugging, stories shared, and memories made.

A “Boss Hog” was crowned. A pig was kissed. Competition barbecue teams hoisted trophies.

But in reality, the six-hour event was about so much more.

It was about 13-year-old Christa Sanders — one of the 850 members of the local Boys & Girls Club — who, because of fundraisers like “Pig in the Park,” will benefit from the many programs the organization says focus on “character development, academic success, and healthy lifestyles.”

It was for people like Andre Kornegay who “didn’t have anywhere else to go” when his classmates were “getting into thatlife” years ago when he was in school.

“I think if you talk to a lot of folks like me, you’ll find out that Boys & Girls Club saved their life, too,” he said. “It gave us a home.”

Goldsboro Mayor Chuck Allen understands the significance of the work done at Wayne County’s Goldsboro, Fremont and Mount Olive clubs.

So as he watched his grandson, Wes, play games and race around the park grounds, he said he was excited to see so many turn out for an event that will undoubtedly do a great deal of good across the county.

“The Boys & Girls Club does phenomenal, phenomenal work in the community,” Allen said. “For years, they’ve always looked after the kids we need to look after. That’s what it’s all about, right?”

For more information on the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County — and for additional ways to support the organization — click here.