Camels, hogs and dogs star in new NC State Fair show
A hog rolling out its own red carpet, gravity-defying dog tricks, and the most energetic camels my family has seen. The Hog Diggity Dogs show was one highlight of our 2022 N.C. State Fair visit. The show lasts about 25 minutes and was more entertaining than either of us expected. It is located near Gate 10.
Hans Klose and Colleen Pages are the owners and trainers of these adorable animals. They travel around the country performing at fairs, carnivals and other venues. I can only imagine the hours and energy spent in preparation!
The first act was with a tiny, 6-year-old dog named Zoe. She's the smallest member of the troupe. Zoe showed her amazing ability to walk around on and then jump over hurdles while standing on her back legs. She then walked across balance beams on her front legs. After jumping through hoops...literally... her favorite hot dog treats were well deserved.
The location of the Hog Diggity Dogs show is directly across from a roller coaster. Hans informed audience members that some of the animals were afraid of the noises. However, they all showed great courage. For instance, a dog named Dallas walks across wires. It took him 3 minutes the first day and even less time on the second. By the fair's end, hopefully, those noises will barely be noticeable.
Other dog performances were by two brothers, Tango and Cash, who conquered a number of acrobatic stunts - including one where they jump a length of over 5 feet. Squiggie will have your heart racing as he tackles a trick from 15 feet high. And you'll get a kick out of the canine Conga line!
As for Colleen's captivating camels, there's a herd of six. The youngest four performed during our visit. It's their first year on the road and they seem to be adjusting well.
The audience was informed that there are two kinds of camels-single and double humped. Both of which are a part of this act. Single humped or Dramadarie camels are the most common. They're found in Africa and the Middle East. Double humped or Bactrian camels are primarily found in Mongolia and the Gobi Desert of China.
The humps are used to store fat. Camels can survive up to three weeks without food or water. Therefore, the stored fat - which contains their necessary nutrients - is turned into energy. Another bit of camel trivia is their ability to kick in all four directions- front, back, left, and right.
During the show, you'll learn a little about how the camels are trained/commanded and the frequency of veterinary visits. You're being entertained and schooled simultaneously. We loved it.
I was only able to hear three of the camels' names: Ziya (the only female), Royce, and Ramey. Each weighs upwards of 1800 pouds but are surprisingly considered babies and still growing! They range in age from 3 to 18 years old and live up to 35 years.
And last but never least is Shelton the 700 pound hog. He made a grand entrance to match his larger than life presence by rolling out the VIP red carpet. A child from the audience volunteered to help him sing Old Macdonald Had a Farm. I'll boost Shelton's stardom even more by declaring his vocals the most impressive grunts I've heard!
If you can make it to the 2022 N.C. State Fair, stop by and see this attraction. The Hog Diggity Dogs show is worth the time for sure. Photos, meet & greets, and camel rides are also available afterwards. For showtimes, check the fair's schedule of events.
