Wargaski to hold Pigapalooza this weekend

The man who fought Island Lake’s plans to build a well by starting a pig farm is inviting village officials over for dinner.

Bob Wargaski will host Pigapalooza, a pig roast, from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The event is meant to give area residents a chance to interact with government officials in an informal setting.

He has invited community members and officials from Island Lake, Wauconda, Volo and Lakemoor, as well as the Northern Moraine Sanitary District.

“I know it can be intimidating ... in these boardrooms,” Wargaski said. “Let’s sit down and talk to our officials and enjoy the pork and talk about spending the pork.”

He plans to serve plates of roasted pork and red potatoes for $8.

After he covers expenses, he will donate profits to the American Legion in Wauconda, he said.

The Legion also will serve beer to those who attend.

“I’m not looking to make money,” he said, adding that the event would cost him several hundred dollars to put on.

There also will be live music from the band Kevin Purcell and a tent so that the event can be held rain or shine.

Wargaski was in the spotlight this year when he successfully halted Island Lake’s plans to install a well across from his property.

He started a pig farm solely to stop the process, citing environmental laws that state that wells cannot be built within 400 feet of a pig farm.

“I don’t have a problem with anybody,” he said. “I’m running this to break the bread. You’ve got to move on.”

Wargaski said the pig meat he plans serve this weekend is not from his own farm, but will be served by Agio Italian Bistro in Palatine.

Charles Amrich, who sits on the Northern Moraine Water Reclamation District board, said he planned to attend and thought the event was a unique idea.

“The whole concept is to try and get all of the communities and governmental agencies and villages together to just get to know one another,” he said. “I just hope we have a nice day and good turnout.”