MOUNT VERNON — Dorothy followed the Yellow Brick Road to make it to the Emerald City. At the Knox County Fair, hungry fairgoers followed the white hog footprints to find one of the fair’s long-running traditions: the famous Porkette sandwich.
The Knox County Pork Council first began serving Porkettes from its little red barn in 1976, at the Fredericktown Tomato Show. Fifty years later, the sandwiches remain a staple of the Knox County Fair.
For the entire half century, the pork has come from Blanchard Swine Farm in Howard, according to James Hurlow. The partnership has helped keep the sandwiches locally sourced while maintaining the recipe that fairgoers have come to expect.
Hurlow said one reason the Porkette has remained so popular is the sandwiches’ customizability.
“You get to put what you want on it and customize your own burger,” Hurlow said.
Beyond the toppings, Hurlow believes the sandwich offers great value while also supporting local agriculture.
“Cheap foods (are) usually associated with lesser quality, but this is $5 and you’re getting locally grown quality pork with that $5,” Hurlow said.
The Knox County Pork Council also offers Porkette Punch Cards for frequent visitors. The $20 cards include four punches, with each punch redeemable for a Porkette sandwich with cheese and a drink.
Punch card holders were also entered into a daily raffle and winners received surprise prizes as part of the anniversary.
Whether continuing a family tradition or trying a Porkette for the first time, fairgoers only need to follow the hog footprints to find one of the Knox County Fair’s most recognizable and beloved food stands.
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