PROCTORVILLE - Michelle Scarberry of Chesapeake wasted no time as she literally "picked up" first prize in her division in the Lawrence County Pumpkin Festival's greased pig contest Saturday.

It may have been because she grew up on a farm, but it could have been in Scarberry's genes.

"Her dad (Robert Scarberry) won one when he was younger," Michelle's grandmother Loretta Carpenter said. "He caught one at the First Baptist Church."

Carpenter said that her granddaughter takes after her dad and that she had grown up on a farm, which may explain why it took Scarberry literally seconds to grab one of the greased pigs, making it look easy.

The contest was a first for her friend, Patrice Grant, who summed up the experience in one word.

"Crazy," Grant said.

When the contest got under way, event organizers Frank and Emma Call brought in a large pig statue for the youth to have their pictures made on before the chase got under way.

Some children smiled, some made faces and one girl stood proudly on top of the pig statue with her arms outstretched.

"This one can ride one standing up," the Calls told the onlookers.

The contest started with ages 4 to 7 years old. After the young children walked into the pen, Call lined them up at the gate then ordered helpers to bring in the pig.

"You boys and girls ready?" Frank Call asked. "Catch the pig."

The youth chased the two small - yet greasy - pigs around the pen a time or two. Then one of them grabbed ahold. The youth drew his hand back with shock and a resounding "Eww" after he felt the pig's greasy coat.

After many of the youth had grabbed hold of the animals and got used to the, what one youth called "yucky" feel of the greased pig, it was time for a little friendly competition.

The competition was close and the cheers from the crowd grew louder as the chase ensued. More and more people began to come to the stands to see what the excitement was about.

Finally, one boy managed to hold the pig by the ear for 30 seconds and was declared the winner of the division. Two youth were awarded the prize for second place as they both held on to the little pig, no matter what.

"That was so much fun," 6-year-old Mary Hicks of Proctorville said after her second-place win.

Hicks said she had a really good time participating in the contest, but that the greased pig was "stinky." She also said that her teacher, "Mrs. Waggoner is really cool."

There were three age divisions for the greased pig contest: ages 4-7, 8-12, and 13 and up. First prize was $15 and second prize was $10.

Whether or not the youth placed in the contest, they were all laughing and yelling as they chased the pigs around the pen.

"It was fun," Scarberry said.