As the Pigs In The City went to market, nearly two-thirds of the concrete-cast sculptures have been sold, according to Judy Skogeboe of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Friday, March 31, 2000

As the Pigs In The City went to market, nearly two-thirds of the concrete-cast sculptures have been sold, according to Judy Skogeboe of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce.

Seventy-five pigs measuring 24 inches tall by 46 inches long were produced by Steve Jones of Lime Springs, Iowa. Forty-six have been given sponsorship by area business.

"We’ve had a variety of businesses sponsor the pigs already," Skogeboe said.

For $525, sponsors will have the opportunity to decorate the porcine sculptures and have their name displayed in a location of their choice from the end of May until late October.

For those wishing to see one of the pigs up close, Skogeboe said some are on display at Double K Specialty in Austin.

"I can’t say that the demand has exceeded our expectations," Skogeboe said, "but the enthusiasm has been overwhelming. So far, they have been an excellent draw."

Thus far, publicity has also been phenomenal, as area radio and television stations have passed the information on Pigs In The City to a national level. Skogeboe said she spoke briefly with a media outlet in Aberdeen, S.D. In addition, KAUS plans to broadcast the story nationally, as does KAAL on ABC. The Austin Daily Herald also is forwarding reports to The Associated Press for wider dissemination.

For more information on Pigs In The City, call the Chamber office at 437-4561.