Going Whole Hog for 4th of July

Hi,

I received an e-mail from a poster or lurker who wanted to know if Peoria Packing Butcher Shop would be a good source for, "A dressed suckling for 50 people for July 4th. Is this a good place to get a nice pig?"

I knew you could acquire a whole pig at Peoria Packing. I have my doubts about the size required for 50 people or perhaps multiple small pigs may fit the bill. I suggested posting, but alas they have not.

Though I am sure there are others who wonder about a centerpiece pig for a summer BBQ. So what is recommended?

I'm glad someone brought this up, because we'll be having a "roast" at our wedding reception this August.

My question is based on a conversation with the person who will be doing the roasting. He says: Just do a ham, it's the same thing, and cheaper.

Now why does ham and whole roast pig not seem, to me, the same thing?
I get cheaper....

Sorry in advance if this, in fact, reads like a moronic question.

I've cooked whole hog for a crowd of that size or more. You won't find a suckling pig in that size. You'll need a fully butchers hog. A 120 lb hog (that's the weight dressed and gutted) should be more than suffucent to serve 50 people and leave some leftovers for the honeymoon.

I've served 60-70 drunks on that sized hog before with leftovers.

I don't know how you people eat, but one fresh ham isn't going very far at any reception I've been to, no matter how modest.

Peoria is where I get my whole piggies. Smallest you are going to find is probably in the 100-120 lb. range at around a buck a pound. Since a common estimate is 1.5 lbs. per guest, a 100 pounder is in the ballpark. What's the worst that's going to happen if you end up with extras? You'll have no problem giving some away, and it's cheap.

Of course a couple of hams isn't the "same thing." You can't put a funny hat and sunglasses on a ham. And there are no ribs, ears, snoot or tail on a ham. Or a loin.

PS, ask a manager. The floor guys don't enjoy walking across the street with a large animal and might fudge about whether you as a retail customer can have a whole pig.

And why would it be cheaper? Peoria is in the business of breaking down whole hogs. Other than the guy who has to fetch the pig, they are saving labor by selling you a whole one.

It is trickier and more work.