Cops In Hog Heaven
Peter Reilly

If you see a herd of Wild Pigs roaming around Lake Mary, Sanford, or Oviedo this September, don’t panic and don’t call law enforcement – the hog-riding “Pigs” are the police!

In case you haven’t heard of them, the Wild Pigs Motorcycle Club of Central Florida is a group of active and retired law enforcement officers who love to ride. Their chapter is hosting 38 other chapters of the Wild Pigs from across the country at the 2009 national rally this September (23-27) in Seminole County.

Up to 150 Wild Pig Motorcycle Club members, from as far away as San Jose, California, will roll into our area to take part in a series of fun events for the week and hang out with other motorcycleloving members.

“It’s going to be great,” says club president Tom Artingstall, a chief investigator with the State Attorney’s Office in Sanford. “We’re going to have a good time.” He wasn’t so confident during the early planning stages, however. When the Central Florida members stood up at the last national rally in Memphis in 2008 and volunteered to host the 2009 event, they didn’t realize what they were getting into.

“It’s a large endeavor with your chapter’s reputation on the line. You want to put on a great event for these guys,” says Tom, a Lake Mary resident. “Never having hosted an event like this, we weren’t sure what to do. We’re a bunch of cops and biker types who are not very good at decorating and organizing events.” Tom turned to the Seminole County Convention and Visitors Bureau for help. Sharon Sears, the agency’s executive director, came to the rescue.

“She was our unsung hero,” says Tom. “I met with her and she went through a whole bunch of ideas we hadn’t even considered.

She turned us on to lots of venues and a bunch of vendors, restaurants, and facilities.” It will be a first visit to Florida for many of the members from across the country.

“I’m originally from Chicago,” says Tom. “A lot of the guys from our Chicago chapters have never even seen an alligator, so we’re going to have their pictures taken with baby alligators at Black Hammock.” The group also plans to visit Seminole Harley-Davidson in Sanford and take scenic rides around Central Florida. One trip they’ve planned is a day trip out to the Space Center.

Sharon was happy to help the Wild Pigs organize their events. She estimates that hosting the law-enforcing bikers will result in a significant economic boost to Central Florida businesses.

Some estimates place the amount in the tens of thousands of dollars. Tom’s group has already spent $2,000 just on T-shirts and patches to commemorate the event.

Sharon would love to help other groups hold their events here, too.

“The Wild Pigs are a perfect example of a resident of the county bringing an organization to the visitor’s bureau for help in hosting an event,” she says. “We’re encouraging other groups to do the same. Whether it’s a family reunion, a school reunion, a club or business meeting, we want people to look at Seminole County first. We have several great hotels and venues to hold events and we’re a third cheaper than other locations in Central Florida. We have so much to offer and we’re 30 minutes from the attractions and 30 minutes from the beach. It’s a prime location.” “They’re the type of group any community would love to have,” says Sharon. “Any time we can attach Seminole County’s name to an organization that is so well-known and respected; it’s a win for all of us. We are very excited that Seminole County is hosting the event.

We’re thrilled to have the Wild Pigs here.” Lake Mary Life first profiled the Wild Pigs Motorcycle Club in 2008. The article focused on the group’s many charitable endeavors and their emphasis on promoting road safety. Since then they have added to their long list of good deeds. They rode in support of Orange City police officer Sheriff Sami, who was shot at and lost an eye in the line of duty. They participated in a benefit for Kids House of Seminole and they sponsored an event that raised $7,000 for the family of veteran Seminole Deputy Craig Magee, who died suddenly, leaving a wife and two sons.

With all the good work they are doing, it’s no surprise that their membership has doubled to more than 20 within the past year. And who knows how many more law enforcement officers will join up after they see what a great party the Central Florida Wild Pigs throw this September.

“All I know is that people are going to see Wild Pigs from all over the country,” says Tom. “And it’s going to be really cool.”

Local charities benefit from wine tasting

The Mother Cabrini Circle of Annunciation Church recently held their annual “Bless Me Father, For I Have Zinned” wine tasting at The Legacy Club at Alaqua Lakes. More than $32,000 was raised to fund charities such as SafeHouse of Seminole County, Kids House of Seminole, and The Russell Home. In addition to showcasing several varieties of wines, the event featured a silent auction and raffle for exciting items of jewelry and spa services, sports memorabilia, and restaurant gift certificates.