BUCKLEY, Wash. — It’s time to place your bets! This weekend marks the last big race in the 2026 Triple Pig Crown Racing Series at Maris Farms in Buckley, where trained pigs, friendly wagers, and a good cause come together.
The farm has more than 50 activities for adults and children, but the pig races are expected to be a major draw this weekend.
“We get nine pigs at the end of September, beginning of October, and we train them to race,” said Dennis Riley, known as the “Pig Whisperer.”
The Triple Pig Crown Racing Series is a six-week event that has become a crowd favorite. Its last major race, the BOARmont Stakes, brings together the best four racers.
Visitors can also put their money behind the pig they think will win. Tickets cost $1 each, or visitors can purchase 12 for $10. The money is donated to Celebrate Harvest, a nonprofit that raises funds to help send children on field trips to farms and educate people about agritourism.
Steve Templeman, known as the “Hogfather,” said Celebrate Harvest raised approximately $80,000 during its first four or five years.
“We also fund a couple of scholarships each year for folks that want to go get continuing education in the area of agriculture,” Templeman said.
The pig racing series is now in its 20th year, and organizers say the crowds continue to grow.
“Every year I’ve seen the crowd grow and grow and grow,” said Wyatt Haller, the “Pig Chaser. ”At first, like the first year I came, it was only one row of people at the fence. This year I think it’s at least four.”
For Riley, the event is ultimately about having fun.
“What I tell people when we come out here before the races is that, you know, we’re just having fun, right?” Riley said, adding that visitors whose winning pig and number are drawn can take home prizes.
Along with the pig races, Templeman said visitors can see live duck races and spend much of the day taking part in the farm’s activities.
“I think that it’s a place where you can bring your family and spend at least half a day, if not three quarters of a day doing all kinds of fun activities,” Templeman said.
For more information about the farm and the events, click here.