Pigapalooza returns to Ransomville

Get ready for Pigapalooza.

The annual event takes place from 3:30-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, on the grounds of Ransomville Free Methodist Church, 3924 Ransomville Road.

A family-fun event, Pigapalooza 12 is "Niagara County's premier music, food and fun festival," said organizer Bob Moore. "Pigapalooza has the best food, music and entertainment in the area."

He reports the event will feature a number of performances on the main stage that afternoon and evening, including: Mike Gagaliardi from 3:40-4:40 p.m., the Mission Band from 4:55-5:30 p.m., Randy Thurman from 6:15-7 p.m., the Mission Band, from 7-7:30 p.m., the Dave Jeffers Magic Show from 7:30-8 p.m. and the Mission Band returning at 8 p.m.

The Rev. Anne Skinner of Hannah House Ministries of Niagara Falls will serve as inspirational speaker for the event.

"Pigapalooza is a free community event. This is not a fundraiser for the church, but an opportunity to celebrate our wonderful community and expose others to the ministry of our church," Moore said.

He notes that plenty of food and drink will also be available, including fresh, smoked pulled pork sandwiches; servings of beef hot dogs, salt potatoes, green beans, apple sauce and a cookie table; pizza donated from Favorites; Billy Macs beverages from McDonald's; and coffee and Timbits by Tim Hortons. Other vendors expected include Main Street Gas & Grill, Destinos and Rocky's Pizza Too.

Activities include hay rides; the Shenandoah Acres petting zoo and pony rides; pony rides for special needs visitors; K-9 demonstrations; the Buffalo Zoo Mobile; Wild Kritters of Niagara; displays by the Cataract Cruisers and the Corvette Club; a bounce house; face painting by CoCo the Clown; the Hannah House stuffed animal giveaway; and arts and crafts.

An evening fireworks display will round out the day.

While this event is offered at no charge to visitors, free-will donation jars will be available at the registration and food line tables.

For more information, call 716-791-3855.