HUSBAND AND HOG CALLING WINNERS CROWNED

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –   For the winner of the 2011 Illinois State Fair’s Husband Calling Contest, it was a birthday present she had not wished for.

Julie Willeford of Nilwood took first place by calling out to her husband, Timmy, that it was her birthday. Willeford said she had not thought to sign up for the contest until her friend suggested the idea.     

Second time was the charm for last year’s winner of Hog Calling Contest, Kyle Barton of West Des Moines, Ia. Barton took first place with his own unique blend of pig noises and a “sooo-ey!” hog call.

Barton has been calling hogs for ten years and also has won championships at the Nebraska and Iowa state fairs.  After his win at the 2010 Illinois State Fair, Barton and his signature hog call made an appearance on ‘Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.’ He said his infatuation with pig calls began when he first signed up for the contest and won.

Second place for the Hog Calling Contest went to Nathan Broaddus of Raymond, a former champion himself who also placed second a year ago. 

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