Combats de lutte dans la boue entre hommes et truies

[Animal 0]

Officials not ‘hog wild’ over proposed event

By Tara Meissner
Herald Times Reporter

TWO RIVERS — A local tavern owner wants to bring a popular Northwoods activity to the Cool City.

But local officials aren’t rushing to embrace hog wrestling as a worthwhile attraction. Wrestle Mania, an event where 30 to 40 female pigs are turned loose and teams of four humans wrestle with them in mud, annually takes place at the Caldron Falls Bar in Crivitz, drawing thousands of visitors.

Charles and Brenda Yauch propose hosting a similar event outside their bar, Chuckle’s, 1204 18th St., Two Rivers. The event would be scheduled for June 25, in the midst of the 2005 Wisconsin State Harley Owners Group State Rally, slated for June 24-26 in Manitowoc.

Todd Isaacson, of rural Manitowoc, has attended the Caldron Falls Bar event twice and said it would have a positive economic impact on the area and provide a good time.

“People would come from all around for it,” he said.

Isaacson said the event would benefit area bars, restaurants, gas stations and hotels.

Two Rivers interim Police Chief David Hartman shared with the City Council some concerns he had discovered while researching the event.

Law enforcement in areas of Wisconsin where similar events are held have seen a dramatic increase in drinking-, drug- and vehicle-related violations, resulting in more enforcement and extensive overtime costs.

The location is not conducive to the safe movement of increased traffic. The event is expected to draw about 4,000 people.

Possible criminal charges for sponsors and legal problems for spectators regarding the mistreatment of animals.

Isaacson, a former pig farmer, doesn’t believe the event is an example of animal cruelty.

“It’s a party, I’ll tell you that,” Isaacson said.

Although the City Council has taken no action on the request, it did note at its last meeting that the event outlined in the submitted site plan would not be possible under current beer garden provisions.

The Yauchs didn’t attend the March 21 meeting and did not return calls to the Herald Times Reporter seeking comment.

City Manager Greg Buckley said the couple could bring the issue back to the city for consideration, with a revised site plan.


Tara Meissner: (920) 686-2137 or tmeissner@htrnews.com