A pig, a pint and an old-school country fair

Asheville does old-fashioned pig pickings right. On Thursday Oct. 27, from 4 until 7 p.m., the Pig and a Pint event will take over the field at Pisgah Brewing Company to benefit the Black Mountain Tailgate Market,  just closing out its 17th season.

A whole “Pisgah-fed” hog will be supplied for the event by Foothills Family Farms. The Old Fort farm pasture raises its animals, finishing them with a “free choice” ration of certified organic barley, reclaimed as spent brewer’s grain from Pisgah Brewing Company.

The pig will be cooked by chefs from Louise’s Kitchen in Black Mountain and butchers from the newly opened Chop Shop will host a butchery demonstration.

Live music comes from two of the Swayback Sisters, Laura Blackley and Mary Ellen Bush. Stay late for Dave Desmelik and Friends in the Taproom afterward at no extra charge. Also at no extra charge: The peak-season fall color surrounding Pisgah’s fields.

Tickets are $20 (kids 12 and under are free), and include two Pisgah beer samples, roasted pork and a diverse sampling of prepared foods made with locally grown produce from BMTM farmers and producers.

Ticket sales and a silent auction at the event will benefit the BMTM. Tickets are available at Pisgah Brewing Company, The Merry Wine Market, Louise’s Kitchen, the Chop Shop and the BMTM by cash or check. Tickets can also be purchased online.

Close on the heels of Pig and a Pint is the 2nd Annual BMTM Harvest Fair. That event, held on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the tailgate market (130 Montreat Road, Black Mountain) is a true old-school country fair. Expect demonstrations on goat milking and corn shelling, plus hay rides and other activities for the kids. Nick Nichols and the border collies of Highlander Farm will provide a herding demo. Demonstrations and displays on beekeeping, mozzarella stretching, low tunnel growing, fiber weaving and tool maintenance will also be offered.

BMTM vendors will donate a basket of market offerings, including handmade items, local products, bread, cheese, honey and more to be raffled off at the fair. The event is free. For more details and a full list of participating farms and vendors, visit the BMTM website.

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