Pleasantville, Iowa, is the third-largest community in Marion County, and it is everything that a small town should be. There's little crime, good schools, a wonderful coffee house, a great restaurant and much more. For the many years that I've had the pleasure of visiting and getting to know the people of that community, there is no more appropriate name than Pleasantville.
The Pig Out was spearheaded by former Recreation Director Brandon Bingham, and his wife, Angel. That was seven years ago, and the two are still very much involved in the event. Neither will take much credit, and they certainly would not be able to have made the event what it is without the help of many others. In my opinion, I believe the Pig Out would be successful if they were unable to contribute, but it just wouldn't be the same. They do this while running a successful business, Bing Bang Media.
For each Pig Out, I have served as a barbecue contest judge. When I refer to this as an honor and a privilege, it's not an exaggeration. The ability of a community of around 1,700 to host many times that one weekend a year is remarkable.
The 2017 Pig Out welcomed 10 cookers participating in the barbecue contest. Each year, contestants submit entries in the categories of pork, ribs, beef, poultry and one dubbed "wild card." The wild card category has produced many interesting - and delicious - entries over the years, including cake and alligator meat. Even for standard barbecue categories, each of the others has produced creative - and again, delicious - entries.
Beyond the food, the Pig Out also includes a car show. I didn't count, but I believe there were around 150 classic and modern day automotive wonders, filling nearly every street around the town's square this year.
Those are just two of the main components of the event that contribute to the atmosphere of what a small-town festival should be. Every sense was touched by this year's event. The sunshine and warm temperatures were perfect. Along with the smell of the barbecue and the sight of the cars, the sounds of children playing could routinely be heard. Little League ballplayers constantly called out to peddle their bottles of water. All of them seemed to beam with just as much community pride as the adults of Pleasantville.
From my vantage point, looking out the window during our judging procedure, the line to the food was consistently full for nearly two hours. Saying it was a long line presents a connotation of negativity that didn't seem to exist. No one seemed unhappy, as they know that the barbecue is always worth the wait.
For me, a visit to Pleasantville - even when there is no barbecue involved - is always worth the trip.
