Photos: The pig chase at the Montezuma County Fair

Young swine-chasers grin with delight as they pursue a squealing pig. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)

Dozens of kids joined in on a pig chase at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds on Saturday.

First thing in the morning, everyone who had arrived at the fairgrounds flocked to the swine barn for the greased pig chase events. Families and children stood on fences surrounding the arena, eagerly waiting for their chance to chase a pig.

Children were divided into age groups, with older children, ages 10 to 12, chasing larger piglets, while the younger children, 8 and younger, chased smaller piglets. The tiniest children in the bunch, 2 years old and under, chased a stuffed pig on a pole.

Participants double-team the object of their chase. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
A sizeable swine sneaks through the legs of a participant. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
: Pigs for the event were donated by First National Bank and Four States Ag Expo. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
: Pigs for the event were donated by First National Bank and Four States Ag Expo. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
A crowd of youngsters corners a small pig in the swine tent Saturday morning. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
An unhappy participant frantically tries to escape handler Jayven Valdez before the chase. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Zach Rice, left, dives for a pig in the annual greased pig chase took place Saturday morning at the Montezuma County Fairgrounds. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)
Participants in different age groups attempted to grab the hind legs of a greased pig selected for their heat. (Erika Alvero/Special to The Journal)