GREEN COVE SPRINGS – The Swine and Dine Derby, the biggest fundraising event for Rotary Clubs from Green Cove Springs and Fleming Island will return to the Clay County Fairgrounds on Saturday, Oct. 21.

While the event supports Quigley House, The Way Free Medical Clinic and Dental Care, student scholarships and Mercy Support Services, the highlights are the pig races at the Cattleman’s Arena.

“Wait until you see the pig races,” said Fleming Island Rotarian Steve Conrad. “They are hilarious.”

Those pigs can afford to have fun because they won’t be on the menu. Others weren’t as lucky.

The festivities will be from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and include a barbecue dinner with pork, chicken and sausage. There also will be live music, a petting zoo, derby hat contest, 50/50 raffle, children’s games and activities and races.

The clubs offered pre-sales of smoked pork butts, but those quickly sold out,” Conrad said.

“There is a lot of good food,” said Nancy Keating of the Green Cove Springs club. “One of the most popular things is the derby hat contest. We’ve seen some pretty incredible entries in the past.

The band 5 Good Years will play.

The first pig race at 5 p.m. supports The Way Free Clinic and Clay County Dental Care. Race No. 2 is at 6 p.m. and benefits college scholarships for Clay County students.

The third race at 7 p.m. will go to the Rotarians for Development of Youth programs.

Advance tickets are $35 for adults and $12 for children until Tuesday, Oct. 16. They are available at ipswebdesign.wufoo.com. Tickets are $40 for adults and $12 for children at the gate.