Get Ready for the 20th Annual Pig Bowl Showdown Tomorrow Sept. 23
Yes, it's that time of the year again—Pig Bowl 2023! Whether you're cheering for the men in blue or the heroes in red, one thing is for sure—tomorrow is going to be a day filled with community, compassion, and camaraderie. Don't miss it!
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, OR, September 22, 2023 — The annual football clash for a cause between the fearless Columbia Gorge Law Enforcement and the heroic Columbia Gorge Fire Fighters is set to light up the Wahtonka Football Field in The Dalles tomorrow, Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 starting at 7 p.m.
While the teams are getting ready to tackle, pass, and score, it's not just about the game. The Pig Bowl is a fundraiser that will support three incredible local families who have shown unmatched resilience in the face of adversity:
The Brown Family
Rick, Carolyn, Michael, Alex and Orion Brown.
Michael, is a young lad with Autism. Alex is bravely battling Multiple Sclerosis, and Orion, a warrior against Osteo Sarcom Cancer, will need ongoing surgeries to replace the new titanium leg bones in his right leg as his body continues to grow.
The Zistel Family
Matt, Ashley, Zeke, Zoey & Zander Zistel.
Highlighting the strength of baby Zander, who despite being born prematurely with a congenital heart defect and undergoing early surgeries, fights every day against severe pulmonary arterial hypertension-an irreversible condition that affects the heart and lungs.
The Dollarhide Family
Nicole, Chris, Griffin, Koda, & “Mighty Max” Dollarhide.
Max was born with VACTERL Association and stopped breathing several times right after birth. His stomach was not attached to his esophagus, instead it had attached itself to his trachea, he had no anus, and his spinal cord was attached to his spinal column. He also had a small brain bleed, a heart issue, and a liver issue. Max has had over 188 anesthetic procedures. He had his latest surgery on August 17th 2023 in Ohio .
With gates opening at 6 p.m. and the kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m, attendees can look forward to not just a game but an evening filled with fun, food, and community bonding. Attendees are reminded that while credit cards will be accepted for food and swag, entry is a cash-only affair.
The organizers have a plethora of activities planned:
The pre-party: Smoke Wring BBQ in downtown The Dalles will host a free family friendly party from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring line dancing lessons and an open dance (12:30-2:30 p.m.), live music, and raffle. Raffle prizes include a Hostess Dream Basket, Brewer’s Basket, Margarita Party Pack, A Couple’s Day Out Basket, Family Game Night Basket, and FIne Art Photography prints from local artists. Raffle tickets are $10 each and proceeds will benefit the Pig Bowl.
For the families, there's a bounce house available at a flat fee of $10 for the entire game.
Feeling a tad adventurous? Boost your team's score or challenge the opposition players to sport Fairy Wings or Boxing Gloves for a few plays.
For the ones who get hungry, the evening also promises a range of delectable dishes from Hot Dogs to Cheeseburgers, and for those with a sweet tooth, there's kettle corn from NORCOR and beverages from Dutch Bros.
For the super fans: Looking to show your team spirit? Make sure to visit the swag table early as supplies are limited. Fancy a pig nose or firefighter hat? They've got you covered.
Pig Bowl organizers expressed gratitude for thier sponsors, saying the event couldn't be possible without the support of many local businesses and individuals. Special thanks go out to Dean Dollarhide State Farm Insurance, Dufur RV Park, Jack’s Auto Body, St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery, NW Natural, Cousin’s Country Inn, Cousin’s Restaurant, Blue Mountain Networks, Evans Fruit Stand, River’s Edge Towing, Bryant Pipe and Supply, Trout Lake Grocery, G.E.A.R- Goldendale, Fun Country, Simcoe Mountain Coffee, Goldendale Coffee Cabin, Siebert Custom Slaughter & Meat, Oregon Equipment, Casa El Mirador, Oregon Veterans Home, Cascade Motors. Devco Mechanical, River's Edge Deli, Susan's Custom Sewing, Emma’s Boutique, Employees of Hood River Circuit Court, Cascade Motors, Pacific NW Federal Credit Union, Mid Columbia Producers, Lindhe Insurance, Wasco Title, The Springs at Mill Creek- Ridgeline Plumbing, Les Schwab- The Dalles, and many others who have generously donated to make this event a success.
With the current score showcasing a close match-up between the Law Enforcement team at 1175 and the Fire Fighters trailing slightly at 1088, the excitement is palpable.
The board of the Pig Bowl wishes to remind attendees to respect and appreciate the hard work of volunteers who've tirelessly worked to ensure a smooth event.
Want to stay updated or get more details? Make sure to visit the official Pig Bowl website at www.pigbowl.net.
The Pig Bowl will celebrate it’s 20th Anniversary this weekend. Photo Credit: Pig Bowl - The Dalles.
