The Ponoka Piston Poppers held their 45th annual Hog Root and Rod Run at the Calumet Curling Rink from July 5-7.
According to the club, people and cars came from as far south as Taber and High River, as far west as Evansburg and Stony Plain and from Pickardville in the north.
The three-day event began with registration and getting campsites set up for the weekend, as well as a welcome barbecue.
"Not too many mosquitoes attended the evening bonfires and the usual night time storm waited till most were snug in their campers," the club reported.
"A bonfire happened along with a meet and greet, old friends and new, a few drinks and a lot of socializing."
On Saturday, the pig was put in to start slow roasting for the rest of the day.
The 145-pound beast had a few different attendants including Bob Kraft, Bruce Erickson, John Tofsrud and Doug Hart.
The cruise was approximately 130 kilometres of fun driving and riding with 25-plus vehicles in the parade, first heading into Ponoka then around to Clive where the Piston Poppers made a pit stop for lunch at the Prairie Fire Bar and Cafe.
Then they travelled back around to Calumet, following directions and answering questions all the way.
After the cruise people showed off their cars and relaxed while waiting for the supper to start.
There were a record number of meal tickets sold this year, with over over 125 people coming for the feast of roasted pork, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, baked beans, salads, bread and desserts.
The 50/50 pot was won by Tom McMillan.
Once again, camaraderie around the bonfire closed out the day.
Sunday morning, a breakfast was served to the folks who stayed the night. Pancakes with all of the fixings, eggs, panfries and ham were on the menu along with coffee and orange juice.
Then the tents were taken down and everything was taken away to be used for the next event.
"People said their goodbyes but rest assured that events happen all summer and it won’t be long before the Piston Poppers will be out in force somewhere car enthusiasts are found."
The Ponoka Piston Poppers' pig roast started out on a farm with a pig in a pit in 1979. It has been held in a few different spots over the years, including the Kraft farm, the “doughnut,” the Ponoka Stampede Grounds.
For a few years there were also 50s dances put on by the club in Ponoka as a fundraiser. If you happen to have stories or memorabilia relating to the club or these events, or have any inquiries, contact them by email at ponokapistonpoppers@gmail.com.
The Piston Poppers' next event will be a car show at the Ponoka Community Market July 22 at the Ponoka Stampede Grounds from 5 to 7 p.m.
