Hogs on the Mountain For A Good Cause

Labor Day weekend, there will be two different "hogs on the mountain" in Iron County: motorcycle "hogs" and wild boars. Motorcycle tourism and wild boar hunting are growing markets--and the upcoming motorcycle event Hogs on the Mountain will capitalize on these hogs for a good cause.

"The Iron County Salvation Army was about to close its doors! Dave had the idea of Hogs on the Mountain already and we thought it would be a great way to help the charitable organization to continue to provide a safety net for the community, " said Hogs on the Mountain organizer Denise Bates. "

Hogs on the Mountain is the brainchild of Dave and Denise Bates, a retired Arcadia Valley schoolteacher and the Iron County Treasurer.

"The Iron County Salvation Army provides a stop gap measure for so many in our community. It matches people up with services, necessary items, and emergency funds."

There will be two main parts of the motorcycle event: A Blessings of the Bikes at the top of Taum Sauk Mountain and a celebration at the Arcadia Academy featuring Boris the Russian Boar.

"Dave thought we could celebrate two of the most unique features of Iron County. Taum Sauk Mountain and the huge feral hog population." Denise Bates explained the inspiration for the charitable event. "Both Taum Sauk Mountain and the wild boars could be big draws for tourists to our community. Taum Sauk is the highest point in Missouri at 1772 ft."

Denise continued: "We are hoping to capitalize on our feral hog problem. They are breeding and multiplying to a point that extinction may not be possible. With some planning we may become the capital of the hog hunts in the state of Missouri. Iron County could be the Wild Boar Hunting Capital of Missouri."

Although Iron County is one of the poorest counties in Missouri, it is rich in its recreational opportunities, scenery, history and landmarks, including Johnson Shut Ins, Elephant Rocks, the Black River, Fort Davidson and the Arcadia Academy. The Academy has gone through many incarnations, including a Civil War Hospital and a Catholic Girls School. Currently it houses a restaurant, Thee Abbey Kitchen, and is the site of many events, including conferences and weddings.

The event at the Academy will feature vendors, a beer garden, and live music. Attendees can also meet the real life wild hog, Boris the Russian Boar. "I think Boris will really be a great draw. He's so mean and ugly looking!" said Dave Bates.

Food will be provided by area restaurants, including Thee Abbey Kitchen and Baylee Jos BBQ.

Motorcycle tourists participating in the Blessings of the Bike will first meet at the Iron County Courthouse at 12:30 pm and then ride to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain. The Celebration will begin at 1pm and end at 10pm at the Arcadia Academy, on HWY 21 in Arcadia, MO. Low cost camping and rooms will be available at the Academy.

Motorcycle tourists participating in the Blessings of the Bike will first meet at the Iron County Courthouse at 12:30 pm and then ride to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain. The Celebration will begin at 1pm and end at 10pm at the Arcadia Academy, on HWY 21 in Arcadia, MO. Low cost camping and rooms will be available at the Academy.

Admission to the event is free, although donations are encouraged.

Information about the event can be found at hogsonthemountain.com and on Facebook. Questions can be directed to hogsonthemountain@yahoo.com.