Although the accounts of its origin may differ, there is no disputing
that in 1979 a tradition of celebration and fun began on the campus of
Bluefield College. Now, more than 20 years later, the tradition continues.
On Thursday, April 26, Bluefield College students will again take time out
from studies before final exams to participate in the school1s 23rd Annual
Mud Pig Day.
In 1979, prior to the start of final exams, BC students took a day off
from classes, away from books, tests and studying to commemorate the end of
another semester of achievement. Some say the tradition began with a simple
water balloon fight that developed into a full-scale, campus-wide water
battle. Others recall how the early years of Mud Pig Day included the actual
chasing of a small pig. During those early years, students even crowned a
Mud Pig Day King.
But, despite the differing accounts of the beginnings of Mud Pig Day,
there is no doubt that the event has developed into a formal day of games,
competition, food, music, recreation and even a greased pig in a barbecue
pit. In fact, this year1s Mud Pig Day schedule will be marked with a host of
contemporary Christian bands and praise groups throughout the day.
The fun begins with lunch at noon outside in the BC Quad, featuring, as
always, barbecued pork and other traditional picnic items. During lunch, the
band Belief will provide musical entertainment and BC1s Ram radio will
broadcast a special theater production, featuring the comic capers of Abbot
and Costello1s “Whose on First.”
At 1:15 p.m., the band Windfall will perform in concert in the BC Quad,
followed by a couple of new events on the Mud Pig Day schedule, a
hog-calling contest and a Survivor-like game. The contemporary Christian
group Bloom will wrap up the mid-afternoon activities with a concert at 3
p.m. in the Quad.
BC’s Baptist Student Union will organize its famous Quadfest following
the Bloom performance. The Quadfest will expose BC students to the host of
campus activities and opportunities available in student life and will
include a number of games and prize giveaways. The contemporary praise group
Branches of the Vine will perform in concert during the Quadfest.
As always, the traditional water slide and mud pit will wrap up the
day1s activities. Students will cool off from a day of hot fun with a cool
skid down the water slide on the hill near the Dome and Rish Hall or take a
dive in the murky mud pit behind Shott Hall.
Area residents are encouraged to stop by and join the BC family for Mud
Pig Day 2001. T-shirts and other prizes will be available. There will be no
charge for the fun, except for meals. For more information, please call the
BC Office of Public Relations at 540-326-4212.
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