If you haven’t quite figured it out yet, pigs will be good for Austin.

Monday, April 03, 2000

If you haven’t quite figured it out yet, pigs will be good for Austin. That’s not to say they haven’t been already. But some new pigs around town will bring the city some goodwill.

You see, a committee of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce is selling a bunch of concrete pigs to area businesses and organizations as a fund raiser. Those who purchase the cement hogs can decorate them as they please and display them this spring, summer and into the fall.

But the best part about these little pigs that are on the market is that they will bring some favorable news coverage to Austin.

Already, the story about Austin’s concrete porkers has been carried by The Associated Press. Area media are forwarding the story to their respective networks. In addition, the word is getting out because the Chamber is fielding calls from reporters outside the region, too.

The Chamber borrowed the idea from Chicago, which displayed whimsical, life-sized cow sculptures last summer.

Austin’s Pigs In The City statues weigh about 400 pounds each and after a telethon last week, almost two-thirds now have sponsors.

A public reception for the pigs will be May 22, after which they will be put on display around the city.

The Pigs In The City should prove a hit throughout the next few months. People will be driving here to see our pigs displayed throughout the city. It’s a good idea that has a good cause, too.