If you’ve ever been to the Wisconsin State Fair, you’ve probably heard it before you even saw it.
A crowd starts laughing. Kids are screaming with excitement. Someone is yelling, “Come on, Piggy!” Then suddenly…the gates fly open, and a group of little pigs comes racing around the track as fast as their tiny legs can carry them.
It may seem like a silly tradition, but those famous pig races have become one of the biggest family attractions at the Wisconsin State Fair. In fact, for many Wisconsin families, a trip to the fair isn’t complete without stopping to watch the pigs race for cookies.
But have you ever wondered…
Why pigs?
Why do they race?
And how did this tradition even begin?
Let’s find out.
🌾 It All Started with Agriculture
Long before giant cream puffs, midway rides, concerts, and crazy fair foods, the Wisconsin State Fair was all about farming.
The very first Wisconsin State Fair was held in 1851 in Janesville as a small livestock exhibition where farmers gathered to showcase cattle, pigs, horses, crops, and the latest farming techniques. The event eventually found its permanent home in West Allis in 1892, where it has continued to grow into one of the largest state fairs in the country.
While Wisconsin is famous for dairy cows, pigs have always been an important part of the fair. Swine competitions, livestock shows, and youth agriculture programs have been entertaining fairgoers for well over a century.
🐷 So…When Did the Pig Races Begin?
Believe it or not, the racing pigs didn’t arrive until 1986.
That year, Wisconsin State Fair introduced a brand-new attraction where young pigs raced around a small track toward a delicious reward waiting at the finish line—cookies!
Nobody could have predicted how popular it would become.
Families instantly fell in love with it, and nearly 40 years later, the pig races are still drawing huge crowds every summer.
🍪 Why Are They Racing?
Here’s something many people don’t know…
The pigs aren’t forced to race.
They’re simply running toward their favorite treat.
Handlers train the piglets using positive reinforcement, teaching them that when the gates open, a tasty snack is waiting at the finish line. Today, oatmeal cookies are one of their favorite rewards.
Because pigs are incredibly intelligent animals, they learn the routine quickly and happily race for their prize.
🧠 Did You Know Pigs Are Really Smart?
Many people are surprised to learn that pigs are considered one of the smartest farm animals.
They can:
- Learn routines quickly
- Recognize sounds
- Respond to rewards
- Remember locations
- Solve simple problems
That’s one of the reasons they’re perfect little racers.
Of course…they don’t always cooperate!
Sometimes one pig decides to stop halfway through the race, another takes the wrong turn, and another runs straight to the cookies without worrying about anyone else. That’s part of what makes every race so entertaining.
😂 It’s More Than Just a Race
The pig races have become a Wisconsin tradition because they bring people together.
Kids cheer for their favorite pig.
Parents laugh.
Grandparents remember watching the races when they were younger.
For a few minutes, everyone forgets about work, school, and everyday life and simply enjoys watching a handful of determined piglets sprint around the track.
That’s what the Wisconsin State Fair is all about.
❤️ The Pigs Are Well Cared For
One question people often ask is whether the pigs are treated well.
The answer is yes.
The piglets race because they’re excited about their food reward—not because they’re chased or forced. They rotate throughout the day so no single pig races too often, travel in climate-controlled trailers, and receive regular care while touring the fair circuit.
📍Where Can You Watch Them?
You’ll find the pig races at the Racing Pigs Arena during the Wisconsin State Fair, with multiple shows scheduled throughout the day.
My advice?
Get there a few minutes early because the bleachers fill up fast—especially during the afternoon.
🐽 414 Milwaukee Mil Town Fun Fact
The pig races may look like pure entertainment, but they also celebrate Wisconsin’s rich agricultural heritage. It’s the perfect blend of education, tradition, and good old-fashioned family fun, which is why generations of fairgoers keep coming back year after year.
Will You Be Cheering for a Winner?
The next time you’re at the Wisconsin State Fair, follow the sound of the cheering crowd, grab a seat in the Racing Pigs Arena, and pick your favorite pig.
Who knows…your little champion just might sprint across the finish line first—for nothing more than an oatmeal cookie.
Have you ever watched the pig races? Tell us in the comments who’s cheering louder—you or the kids!
📰 Continue Exploring Milwaukee
- 🎨 Bronzeville Cultural & Arts Festival Guide
- 🎵 National Night Out Events Around Milwaukee
- 🏊 Milwaukee County Parks with Pools
- 📚 Free Things to Do in Milwaukee
- 🏨 Historic Hotels in Milwaukee
- 🍴 Best Places to Eat in Milwaukee
- 📅 Things to Do This Weekend