40th Annual Pork Fest
Have any of you ever wondered what the Kouts Pork Fest is all about? Well, this year is the 40th annual Kouts Pork Fest, commemorating the distinction of being the hog capital of the United States. This was achieved by the entrepreneurship of Harold Heinold, who in 1950 established the Heinold Hog Market. This was quite an accomplishment of business prowess, and vision, especially coming from a man so young. Harold was born on August 9, 1919 in Kouts, Indiana to Joseph and Martha (Luthi) Heinold. He graduated from Kouts High School and the Purdue University Agriculture Short Course. On December 5, 1948 he married Margaret “Sis” Yergler in Cissna Park, Illinois. Harold began his career in agriculture managing the family farm. In 1950, he established Heinold Hog Markets, which eventually numbered 150 country buying stations across the Midwest. Later he branched into commodity marketing with Heinold Commodities, Inc., seated at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade and all the major New York Exchanges.
So in 1978 the town decided to capitalize and celebrate on being the hog capital of the United States, (or at least the Midwest). It was always a very festive time of parade watching, greased pig races, kiss the pig contest, along with some great entertainment. But more than that it was a time when neighbors met on the streets of their hometown and celebrated the camaraderie of being part of the community. Kouts has always been a wholesome community, supporting more churches than most towns its size. Many people have made the comment that, “you can’t get away with anything in Kouts because everybody knows your business”. Well, that may be true, but it’s more because it’s like one big family, and they care about each other.
I would encourage everyone in Kouts to turn out for the Pork Fest this Saturday, to support your community, and make those bonds of community stronger. It’s always a good thing to have a reason to celebrate and be happy, with good food, good entertainment, and good friends. For any of you people out there that love living history, I would recommend you drive down Baum’s Bridge Road, and enjoy the Aukiki River Festival taking place both Saturday and Sunday. They will be covering a historical timeline from the 1700’s to the 1930’s, and it promises to be fun for people of all ages. Just as in the case of Harold Heinold, Kouts is rich in history, so come and check it out.
As parents we need to teach our children what it is to have a sense of community. To get to know their neighbors, and what their needs might be, or their likes and dislikes. Help your children be a walking, talking, testimony to everyone they come in contact with. The best way to do this is to read the Word of God with them, so they know how to grow up reflecting Christ.
We as authors, should do our part in maintaining and preserving the history that surrounds us where we live. It is also important for us to research and know our family history, so we can teach it to our young people, and they understand their roots, or lineage if you will. Researching your family tree can be fun and very enlightening, it’s amazing how many heroes you will find hidden in the past.
Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun.
Ecclesiastics 8:15
Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
Psalms 37:3-4
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
I Timothy 6:6-8
A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:13
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Colossians 3:17