Dixon 4-Her's Pig Dies at Solano Fair, Bidders Don't Let Him Go Home Empty Handed

Bidders at the Solano County Fair livestock auction pledge generous support for a young boy who's pig died just hours before selling time. Jason Williams, 10, of Dixon showed superior sportsmanship in light of the tragedy, and it paid off with a big surprise in the end.

Jason's mom, Evelyn Williams, shared her gratitude with the Patch, emailing us this story:

Jason and his sister Elizabeth typically raise dairy goats. This year, Jason invested his time and money into a market pig project to pay back his dad for goat feed and to raise money to afford a computer camp.

He bought and raised a pig to show and sell at the Solano County Fair Auction this last Sunday. This was his first time selling at the Solano Fair auction and he was hoping to turn a profit on his 238lb. pig, who had eaten her breakfast with extra goat milk everyday and was sure to be especially delicious.

His pig was judged market ready and fit, but late Saturday morning into the afternoon she developed a fever, and despite efforts to bring it down, she died Sunday morning.

Jason was surprised she declined so quickly only a few hours before the auction.

He was determined to get his 4- H uniform on and be at hand to help with the sale anyway. He was ready as an auction runner for the first and last sale, among the other 4-Hers falling in line to help.

Livestock Superintendent, Kelly Fletcher, officially scratched his name from the sale but called him ringside to acknowledge a "Good Sportsmanship" award and inform him of a $100 prize from the fair.

That announcement was followed by applause and then a generous donation of another $100 from Sheldon Oil/Gas. In the next few minutes, Joe Gates, auctioneer, called aloud raised numbers of supporters and businesses, one after another, as the generous buyers followed suit.

With over 18 supporters from the auction sale adding to Jason's prize, he would be taking home some money after all, more than the sale of his pig would likely bring.

"Everybody was really, really kind, I didn't know anybody and I didn't expect to get any money at all!" Jason said, "I wasn't going to raise another pig, but after what happened I felt very encouraged by everyone so I am planning on raising another pig next year."

"I was raising a pig to sell at the auction to help pay for my goat project, and to raise money to go to a computer camp, but when my pig got sick and died I tried to accept it," Jason explained, "I decided to be an auction runner to help with the auction, and I was surprised when they called me up there. I didn't know what to do, I just stood there and felt really happy. When I think about it all , I was sorry it happened to her because she was a pretty good pig, but I realize now good things can come from bad things."
As his parents, Robert and Evelyn Williams, we were speechless by the support of the local buyers for Jason, It's a small county with a big heart when it comes to supporting our kids through the 4-H and FFA livestock projects. The Solano County Fair and their work to develop responsibility within these youth projects, and the devoted families and business that rise to the call of support for them -are inspiring. That kind of devotion to your community and generous spirit is contagious. Jason plans on donating some of the money back to the fair to support the next 4-Her who might need help. We want to express our great appreciation to those bidders for their incredible generosity.

Jason says, "I'd like to thank the auctioneer, all the bidders, my dad, my 4-H pig leaders, Craig & Linda Black, Dr. Bravos, livestock Superintendent Mrs. Kelly Fletcher and all the nice people who tried to help me and my pig- thank you very, very much."