MERLE MONAHAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
merlemonah@aol.com

WINDSOR—There was a slight decrease in attendance at the 38th annual Windsor Ruritan Pig Pickin’ on Wednesday, but still the event attracted hundreds of people, some from as far away as Norfolk, Richmond and even North Carolina.

Since 1977 at Foster’s Pond near Windsor, the fundraiser — which has become the club’s major source of income — provides an afternoon of relaxation and good food for all, said club treasurer, Macon Edwards.

“I hear all the time how much people look forward to it,” he said. Edwards added that this year Rep. Randy Forbes was in attendance.

Proceeds from the Pig Pickin’ go toward funding community projects, after all expenses are paid, of course.

Edwards explained that the Windsor Club provides scholarships for three deserving high school seniors from three different schools, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Windsor High School and Isle of Wight Academy.

“We also sponsor the Boy and Girl Scouts, the Western Tidewater Clinic, the Windsor Library and several others,” he added.

“Then we have helped out families who just needed some assistance at times,” Edwards said. “Our goal is to help those in the community.”

The Pig Pickin’ takes a lot of work, he said, adding that a group of the club’s members cook the pork all night before the event. Other members serve the meals and cook corn bread on the day of the barbeque, while still others take care of parking and clean up afterwards.

“We believe it’s worth it, though,” Edwards said. “Our members don’t complain.”