The History of Trigg County Country Ham Festival
Taste the Tradition, Feel the Heritage
A Journey Through the Decades of the Trigg County Country Ham Festival.
THE BEGINNING OF
The Birth of a Tradition: How It All Began
In 1974, a conversation between UK Extension agents Elaine Cliff, John Fourqurean, and supervisor Bill Summerhill sparked an idea that would forever change Trigg County. Among various ideas—dark-fired tobacco, moonshine, and country ham—the humble ham emerged as the star. By 1975, planning had begun, and by fall of 1977, the first official Trigg County Country Ham Festival was born.
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER
The First Festival
Held in downtown Cadiz, early festivals revolved around the courthouse square. Local churches, school groups, and civic clubs set up booths to raise funds for community projects, offering everything from food and games to jailhouse antics.
Extension agents introduced local musical acts, giving rise to Saturday stage shows. Performers like Jim Ricks, J.D. Howell, and the Harper family became staples of the early entertainment scene.
A TRADITION IS BORN
Country Ham Contest
One of the festival’s enduring highlights is the Country Ham Judging Contest, originally front and center at the courthouse and still sponsored by Trigg County Farm Bureau. It began with local farmers and has crowned champions annually since 1977—names like Robbie Flood, Pink “Tiny” Guier, and Tony Holland grace the winner’s plaque.
Grand Champion Hams of the Past
70’s & 80’s
Champions
- 1977 Robbie Flood
- 1978 Robbie Flood
- 1979 Pink “Tiny” Guier
- 1980 Bayless Sumner
- 1981 Pink “Tiny” Guier
- 1982 Boyce Braboy
- 1983 Doug Freeman
- 1984 Bill H. Sumner
- 1985 Plomer Wilson
- 1986 Audry P’Pool
- 1987 Audry P’Pool
- 1988 Doug Freeman
- 1989 Audry P’Pool
90’s & 2000’s
Champions
1990 Rex Cook
1991 Boyce Braboy
1992 Robert Earl Fowler
1993 Gary Litchfield
1994 Charlie Bell Wadlington
1995 Tennie Vanzant
1996 Scotty Gray
1997 Hollis Carr
1998 James Adams Jr.
1999 Kerry Fowler
2000 Kerry Fowler
2001 Pink “Tiny” Guier
2002 Doug Freeman
2003 Pink “Tiny” Guier
2004 Howard Skinner
2005 Glen “Tub” Ezell
2006 Tony Holland
2007 Tony Holland
2008 Harrell Guier
2009 Kevin Alexander
2010’s & 2020’s
Champions
2010 Tony Holland
2011 Jimmy Adams
2012 Ronnie Weeks
2013 Tony Holland
2014 Austin Hart
2015 Robin Wadlington
2016 Roger “Spud” Ladd
2017 Robert Wadlington
2018 Tyler Thomas
2019 Robin Wadlington
2020 Joe Oakley
2021 Keli Oakley
MOUTHWATERING DELICIOUS
Kentucky’s Largest County Ham & Biscuit And The Vision That Started It All:
One of the most iconic and beloved traditions of the Trigg County Country Ham Festival is the annual unveiling of Kentucky’s Largest Country Ham & Biscuit—a colossal, hand-crafted biscuit sandwich that draws crowds from across the state.
Armed with notes and ideas, Broadbent returned home and commissioned the design of a custom-built “Big Biscuit Oven”, large enough to bake a biscuit over 10 feet in diameter. The oven was completed just in time for its debut at the 1985 Ham Festival—and it’s been a showstopper ever since. The first giant ham biscuit debuted in 1985 and held the official title of World’s Largest Country Ham & Biscuit, even making it into the Guinness Book of World Records as a 4,000-pound phenomenon
WORLD RECORD BREAKING BIG
Just How Big Is It?
The Giant Ham & Biscuit is an engineering and culinary marvel:
Diameter: Over 10.5 feet / Baking Time: 2 hours at 375°F
Ingredients:
- 150 pounds of flour
- 39 cups of water
- 13 gallons of butter
- 2 pounds of baking soda
- 2 pounds of salt
- 6½ pounds of sugar
- 2 pounds of yeast
- 39 pounds of shortening
- 400 pounds of cooked country ham
Each year, the dough is hand-prepared, rolled, and assembled in massive segments before being baked and filled with freshly cured country ham. Once cooked, the giant sandwich is sliced and served to festival-goers in individual portions, making it a mouth-watering centerpiece and a culinary claim to fame.
Armed with notes and ideas, Broadbent returned home and commissioned the design of a custom-built “Big Biscuit Oven”, large enough to bake a biscuit over 10 feet in diameter. The oven was completed just in time for its debut at the 1985 Ham Festival—and it’s been a showstopper ever since. The first giant ham biscuit debuted in 1985 and held the official title of World’s Largest Country Ham & Biscuit, even making it into the Guinness Book of World Records as a 4,000-pound phenomenon
A MUST SEE EXPERIENCE
A Living Tradition
Today, the Giant Ham & Biscuit is more than just a spectacle—it’s a symbol of Trigg County’s heritage, community pride, and enduring spirit. It continues to be baked fresh every year, with volunteers, local businesses, and ag leaders working together to keep the tradition alive.
Visitors often gather early to watch the process unfold—from dough prep to oven reveal—and to claim their piece of this record-setting, homegrown masterpiece. For many, it’s the bite that defines the festival.
A FUN-FILLED CELEBRATION FOR ALL AGES
THEN AND NOW
Pig Races and Farm Fun
In the mid-1980s, live pig races stole the show, with local farmers encouraging their pigs across divided tracks. Other beloved activities included:
- Greased pig contests
- Hog trough races
- Petting zoos
- Tricycle and wheelbarrow races
- Money in the haystack
EXCITING YEAR AFTER YEAR
Money in the Haystack: A Classic Crowd Favorite
Among the long-standing traditions of the Trigg County Country Ham Festival, Money in the Haystack stands out as one of the most anticipated and joy-filled events—especially for kids (and kids-at-heart).
Humble Beginnings
The roots of this homegrown game date back to the early days of the festival when creativity and community spirit made up for limited resources. Originally known as “Needles in a Haystack”, it was a simple yet thrilling activity introduced by Ramon Oliver of Trigg County Farmers Bank.
With the goal of offering free, fun, and low-cost entertainment, Oliver and the bank team created a giant pile of hay and tucked coins and small bills throughout. Participants were invited to dig through the hay in search of money—turning a rural chore into a festive treasure hunt.
How It Works
- A large hay pile is set up in a designated area—often roped off for crowd control.
- Mixed within the hay are real coins and dollar bills.
- Participants are given a time limit (usually a minute or two) to dig, grab, and collect whatever cash they can find.
- It’s a first-come, first-served attraction, and lines often start early!
Why People Love It
- It’s fun, chaotic, and a little nostalgic—reminiscent of rural childhoods and simpler times.
- There’s real money involved—participants often leave with a few bucks and a huge smile.
- It’s multigenerational: parents bring their kids, often reliving memories of when they dove into the hay pile decades earlier.
- It remains locally sponsored, keeping the small-town spirit alive in the face of commercialization.
Still Going Strong
Today, Money in the Haystack remains a festival staple and one of the most talked-about attractions, especially for families. Sponsored annually by FNB Bank, the game has become a symbol of the festival’s creative, homespun charm.
A FUN WAY TO PARTICIPATE
Characters & Contests
Festival-goers fondly remember Henry Ham, Miss Triggy, and quirky contests like:
- Mr. Ham Hock (best male legs)
- Mother-Daughter Look-alike
- Rocking Chair Marathons
- Husband & Hog Calling Competitions
A FESTIVAL YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Carnival, Parade & Family Fun
Carnival rides, face painting, and the annual Pigskin Football Game became festival staples. The ham-themed parade, once an eagerly awaited event with floats, horses, and local flair, faded in later years.
From Wagons to Food Trucks
Early transport via FFA hayrides gave way to PAC buses. Likewise, local fundraising booths gradually made way for commercial food trucks, shifting the festival’s economic footprint.
The Spirit of the Festival
Marvin Broadbent Jr. and George Bleidt, known for their candid feedback and passion, inspired the “Spirit of the Ham Festival” Award, honoring outstanding contributors each year.
