HERSHEY, Pa. — Central Pennsylvanians are invited to "hog" all the hugs at a mini piglet cuddling event hosted by Ribbons & Bows Stable.
The family owned and operated stable offers programs like riding lessons, horse clubs, animal clubs, gardening and wildlife, day camps, educational opportunities for Girl Scouts and homeschooling groups and more to children 12 and under.
"Ribbons & Bows Stables kind of came out of a passion for agriculture and working with children," Deb Belack, owner, director and head trainer at Ribbons & Bows Stables, said. "And so both myself and my agricultural program director both work with kids in our regular professions, and so the stable is just a way to give back to the community and allow families and siblings and grandparents, kids to just get involved with the animals and nature."
Next weekend, Ribbons & Bows will be visiting Brookside Acres of Hershey to offer the community a chance to come cuddle some mini piglets.
There won't be much "boar"-dom at this event. In addition to the piglets, there will be a corn maze, hay rides, petting zoo, games, fire pits, picnic areas and more to keep guests entertained. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds with their families.
The piglets are Kunekune/pot belly pigs, "sow" they are social, easy to train, hypoallergenic and make excellent pets for the house or backyard, Belack said. These piglets were born from Belack's pet pig Polly and are being socialized to become someone’s beloved lifelong pet, an emotional support animal or a service animal.
"All pigs have very unique personalities, and they have a lot of vocalization," Belack said. "So you know exactly what they're thinking and feeling.
"They make excellent pets."
The event will be held at 27 Shetland Dr. in Hummelstown from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. Registration is not required. There is an admission fee of $13, which includes all of the activities mentioned above. Organizers say donations are also welcome.