Residents enjoy annual pig roast

The lawn of the Mineral County Hospital was transformed Thursday of last week into a Hawaiian Island. Hawaiian tunes filled the air and leis were dawned as well as grass skirts, flowered shirts and brightly colored pants. Tikis, coconuts, beach balls, umbrellas and palm trees set the scene for the 4th Annual Pig Roast. Residents weren't the only ones dressed up as employees and a few family members in attendance donned Hawaiian apparel.

The event gives long-term residents of the hospital and nursing home a chance to get out and celebrate the end of summer. Kathy Jones, who has organized the event for the past four years, said that was the reason she first started it four years ago.

"I started it a while back and the initial purpose was it was just a nice way to end the summer for them," Jones said. "After the first time, it caught on and we've done it ever since."

Residents waited for hospital employees to bring them plates of food. The event gives residents a chance to visit with each other and family that comes down to share in the day's activity. It gives residents a chance to get outside and enjoy each the company of others. Some said that the Hawaiian-themed party also brings a change of pace to their lives.

The party lasted a couple of hours and brought smiles to faces as lunch was handed out plate by plate. There was plenty of food to go around on Thursday with roasted pig, asparagus, salad, beans, dessert and glasses of lemonade. Though the sun was hot, those in attendance found shade under the trees.

Jones said that throughout the years she's noticed that residents seem to enjoy the end of summer party. The chances of a fifth party next year are sure to be in the works.

"They really do enjoy it," she said