Bowling for a pig

Bowling under way at an English village fête in Longdon, Staffordshire

Bowling for a pig was a traditional British competition, usually held at country fêtes, fairs, and carnivals. It was a form of bowling as a test of skill, with the highest scorer(s) winning the prize. The traditional prize was a live pig to take home.[1] The game traditionally used nine wooden pins at the end of an alley, and a solid wooden ball.[2] It was common through the 19th[3] and 20th centuries. Some fêtes retain the name for their bowling sideshow, but no longer offer a live pig as a prize.

  1. ^ Bringing home the bacon and cutting the mustard. Past Times. 2000. p. 31.
  2. ^ Room, Adrian (1988). Dictionary of confusing words and meanings. p. 37. ISBN 9780880292658.
  3. ^ "Brierley Hill". Worcestershire Chronicle. 25 September 1850.