Wauconda-area man using Pigapalooza to build unity

Area village board meetings could benefit from a little pork.

At least, that's the idea behind Bob Wargaski's Pigapalooza, which he hopes will bring elected officials and residents together in a more casual setting than village hall.

Wargaski, of Wauconda Township, got a taste of local politics in the last year when he set up a pig farm to block the village of Island Lake from building a water tower and a community well across from his property.

State law requires the community well to be at least 400 feet away from the hog containment facility.

Wargaski attended some board meetings during his dispute, and said it could be intimidating to get up and speak in front of everyone.

"Wouldn't it be a great idea if you could meet your officials in a casual atmosphere with a plate of pork and maybe a beer," Wargaski said.

For that purpose he has invited newly elected and re-elected officials from Wauconda and Nunda townships, the villages of Island Lake, Wauconda, Volo and Lakemoor, and the Northern Moraine Sanitary District. Even Governor Pat Quinn and State Senator Dan Duffy are on the guest list.

Those who decide to attend will have to pay just like everyone else: $8 buys a pig roast plate and red potatoes.

"I'll be charging for the beer and hopefully the beer will cover my costs, and (if there is a profit) I'm going to give it right back to a worthy cause in the community," Wargaski said.

He operates with a similar philosophy for barn dances he throws at his place in Wisconsin. He invites locals to come up north and directs any proceeds back into the community.

Laurie Rabattini, a trustee-elect in Island Lake, said the concept behind Pigapalooza is a step toward more open communication between residents and local governments.

"It calls for moving forward, it calls for having a good time," Rabattini said. "I think he's putting out a lot to try to make a positive step forward."

Pigapalooza is set for May 3, 1 to 5 p.m. at the corner of Darrell and Dowell roads in Wauconda Township. For ticket information, contact Wargaski at spray@oawl.net.