CLAY COUNTY – Ready to see some high-speed hogs race for charity?

The Clay County Fairgrounds will host an event that a pair of rotary clubs hope will become a fixture of Clay County’s fall event season. The Swine & Dine Derby will hit the track at 4 p.m. on Oct. 8. It features pig races, live music and a petting zoo.

The Way Free Medical Clinic recently broke ground on its College Drive property late last month, using the property with Clay County Dental Care. Though funds are still needed to completely open the site, $1 million has been raised, about two-thirds of the goal.

Way Free Clinic Executive Director Don Fann is also the Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs’ President. Fann said the clinic’s annual bike ride became untenable due to concerns for riders. They needed an alternative with a hometown flair, he said.

“It just became impossible to find a route for the cyclists that wasn’t risky due to the increase in traffic,” Fann said. “So, we decided to try something different.”

Fann said Swine & Dine Derby is as simple as an event-goer picking their favorite pig and supporting a non-profit. The races are an hour apart. The first race benefits the Way Free Clinic and Clay County Dental Care Clinic. The second race is to support scholarships for Clay High students and race three is for Rotarians for the Development of Youth, a leadership development nonprofit founded by Rotarians. It’s an obvious caveat, but the racing pigs will not be eaten.

“The basic concept is trained pigs racing, opportunities for people to donate to charity,” Fann said.

Fann said a new event format is more attractive to families.

“It's basically pig racing, great food, petting zoo, and other family-friendly activities, the proceeds of which will go for high school student scholarships as well as support for The Way Free Clinic and our partner dental clinic in Green Cove Springs,” Fann said.

The Rotary Club of Fleming Island President William Larson said the clubs worked together in the past. They looked for something signature to Clay County. In planning, organizers recalled the pig races from the Clay County Fair, Larson said.

The theme fits the area, he added, but with a few twists.

“It’s the Kentucky Derby only in Clay County with straw hats and barbeque rather than their $100 hats,” Larson said.

The clubs, which have approximately 30 members each, are looking for solid participation at the new event and want it to continue if successful.

“It’s designed to bring families out,” Larson said.

More information about tickets and sponsorships is available at swineanddinederby.org.