Piggin’ out at Riverfront Park

Warm winds, music and the aroma of nachos and pizza made Pig Out in the Park the best place to be as summer winds down in Spokane.  Every year around Labor Day weekend, the city holds a great celebration at Riverfront Park, including more than 50 music groups and hundreds of food vendors. Stands selling lemonade, candy and barbeque packed the park and attracted thousands last weekend for the annual celebration.

 The young and the old, college students and businesspeople, and of course families came to see the spectacle known as Pig Out in the Park, more commonly referred to as "Pig Out."  Hard-core "Pig Out" fans brought lawn chairs, blankets and coolers filled to the brim with ice, food and soda. People filled the beer gardens as they listened to bands and enjoyed the diverse types of food available.  Some people spent their time flying kites off bridges, or skating around to see everything that was happening in the park. Bands played under the clock tower and across the river.  Music genres ranged from techno to rock and the blues, so there was something for everybody.

Among the numerous bands playing on Saturday was a local band and crowd favorite named Java Kola.  They performed more than 10 pieces, playing a variety of smooth blues and rock, including such song choices as "Messing with the Kid" by Junior Wells, "Heart of Stone" by the Rolling Stones and "American Girl" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.  Lead vocalist Jason McKinney says he has been with Java Kola for about seven years and describes the band as a "local hobby band that plays around the area about four times a year."

Whether one loves the food, the music, or just hanging out with friends and family, Pig Out in the Park continues to bring the Spokane community together.  Thousands of people convene every year to eat, drink, dance and share good times and good food.