10 years ago I had never been to a hog roast. In fact, I probably would’ve cringed at the idea of eating a smoked pig. Now it’s part of one of my favorite weekends of the year…and I actually think the pork is delicious.
If you’ve been following along for awhile, you probably know about the big party my in-laws throw on Memorial Day weekend (see here, here and here). It’s called the “Fat Hog 500” and includes a pig, a beer truck, a red barn…and lots of great family and friends. I’ll use these pictures to help me tell the story…
The first time I visited the farm, this barn was just your typical old barn…unused and full of stuff. Now it has a bar, stove, satellite TV, foosball, darts, and a heating system. Needless to say, my in-laws have worked hard on this place! And it shows…
With all of the crazy weather we’ve had in Kansas lately, I didn’t trust the weather app for a second when it said we could expect temps in the 70’s with no chance of rain on Saturday. But low and behold, it was absolutely perfect. You win, weather app (and I’m totally okay with it)!
One of everyone’s favorite traditions is the beer truck. It’s kind of finicky and always seems to need a repairman…but it’s so darn charming. And for some reason it makes beer taste even better 🙂
Nash “drove” it every chance he could!
I had no idea what I was going to wear until the day we left town, but I had Arden’s “fat hog” outfit planned for over a month. Priorities!
top, skirt–out of stock 🙁
Arden and her second cousin, Violet, were two peas in a pod all weekend. I can already picture them at K-State together, reminiscing about all the fun they had at hog roasts growing up…
…and maybe by then they’ll be allowed to wear real makeup. For now, this fake stuff is perfect 🙂
After a baby shower for my sweet sister-in-law (more to come on that!), the big party began…and the matching tees went on!
When the pig (who had been cooking for over a day) was ready, we all headed to the building to check him out. Some of the kids were into it…others not so much (understandably)!
Chris and his brother have taken over carving and serving from their dad and uncles…and they do a great job. In case you’re wondering, there’s always meat left over. Some of it goes into “hog hash” the next morning, and the rest is sent home with guests or frozen.
Nash missed the memo about waiting in line and helped himself to half a bag of Lays before anyone else had a chance. He’s a Calcara…and he’s hungry!
And did I mention that this happened? To the song “These Boots are Made for Walking” nonetheless. I made sure Arden understood that dancing on bars only flies when you’re three!
I loved this weekend before we had kids, but seeing it through Arden and Nash’s eyes makes me love it even more. It’s just plain magical–and something I know they’ll always cherish.
romper
And now it feels official…summer is here!!
Looks like so much fun!!
Holy fun!!! That looks like a blast. I wanna go next year. I love Nash driving he beer truck and Arden dancing on the table is so cute. I tell Emmy constantly that we don’t dance on tables. Ha ha!
This post is so fun! I can’t imagine how fun it is being there. What a cool tradition!
Oh this is so my kind of weekend! I want an invite next year. And I am loving all the patriotism!
Oh my goodness. That barn!!!! This is such a special thing for your family to celebrate; it looks like a blast. I love weekends on the farm.
LOVE all of this! So, so much fun!
How fun! I smiled at the pictures! It’s like so Kansan!
So many things to comment on! First, a barn with a bar AND heat?! My type of barn, for sure!! And a beer truck? Why doesn’t anyone I know throw a party like this?! Love the picture of Chris and his brother. And “hog hash” had my laughing, for sure!! Your sweet family is just picture-perfect!
Um can your family adopt ours?! This looks like the most fun event ever. I love the t-shirts, the authentic food and the dancing. What amazing memories you’re making!
Aww! Such a fun weekend!
Dude. I want to come to the fat hog 500!
I have to admit that when you said “hog roast”, I was a little skeptical. But then I heard beer truck and I was all in! LOL. But in all seriousness, this sounds like so much fun!
Such fun! Ask the Calcaras if they’d like to adopt me and my family? 🙂