Fifth annual hog roast features food, inflatables, hot air balloon rides

GETAWAY— Community members and alumni of Collins Career Technical Center gathered Thursday evening for the school’s fifth annual hog roast.

“This is something we do annually,” Jim Howard, director of secondary education at the school, said. “This year we decided to not only have the community come out and see the school, but we invited our alumni as well to let them see all what’s taking place at the school. We wanted to make it both a community and alumni event.”

Guests enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, and a plethora of sides and beverages. There was also a CCTC informational booth as well as music and activities for the children, including inflatables provided by BC Tool and Rental and face painting. Free hot air balloon rides were also being offered through BC Tool and Rental’s hot air balloon “Rainbow Rider.”

“It’s an opportunity for the community and alumni to come out and see everything that’s going on here at Collins Career Center,” Steve Dodgion, superintendent, said. “We provide entertainment for the kids and it gives parents a chance to visit the school. We had such a great turnout at this event the first year, and we’ve expanded it.”

Dodgion added that the pulled pork served at the hog roast was one purchased by Collins Career Technical Center from a local 4-H member at the Lawrence County fair earlier this year.

“That’s another way that we are giving back to the community,” he said.

The 1/2-mill CCTC capital improvement levy is also up for renewal on the November ballot countywide this year, which if passed, provides the school funds to continue building and expanding its services.