Hog calling competition at Iowa State Fair ends in tie for the blue ribbon and five bucks

Two Iowa kids can split a pound of bacon after a rare tie in the hog calling contest at the Iowa State Fair.

Nearly two dozen kids walked up to the mic and belted out their best hog call, as if they were trying to get a pig to come home, in front of a packed crowd in Pioneer Hall on Friday. They were followed by more than a dozen adults in a separate category.

Emberlyn Evison of Carlisle, a soon-to-be fourth grader, and Kenton Runge of Newhall, a soon-to-be third grader, tied for first place at the youth competition. They beat out 19 fellow competitors for the $5 prize, which they split.

Evison was nervous, she said, but gave it her best shot and ended up with the victory. Hog calling runs in her family, and she came up with her call in the last year after taking inspiration from past callers.

More: Iowa State Fair husband calling contest winner channeled 'Ice Ice Baby' into her call

"I combined it all together and made it my own," Evison said.

Evison took the stage as number 872 while the three judges listened with their backs turned to keep each competitor anonymous before the final scores were revealed.

Her call started with a quick "soo-WEE!" followed by a rapid "soo-soo-soo-soo," before turning up the pitch to finish the word with "WEE!" It was then broken up with an oink.

Runge, whose uncle has pigs, said he would do hog calling if his friend did it, too. His friend's the one who brought it up.

His call, as number 884, was short and sweet: one short "oy!" before stretching the syllable out: "oyyyy oyyyyy," with a beat in between.

Both Evison and Runge were excited to win their ribbons and grand prize.

'Crazy uncle' wins adult hog calling competition

Meanwhile, an animated competitor jokingly deemed a "crazy uncle" by the emcee won his first-ever blue ribbon.

Kyle Yencer of West Des Moines beat out 16 competitors, including a mix of newcomers and long-timers who have appeared on national TV for their prowess, for the ribbon at the adult hog calling competition.

He also won third-place in a whistling competition this year. He got some feedback from an official, who emphasized his strong loud whistle and encouraged him to sign up for hog calling — but he had to work.

"This year, I made sure to take Friday off to get in this contest," Yencer said.

His love for college football prepared him for the competition as number 872 this year. He channeled the Arkansas Razorbacks' famous Calling the Hogs, where fans packing the stadium chant out "Woooooo, Pig! Sooie!"

Yencer added in his powerful whistle for the win. After the results were announced, he slipped his sunglasses back on and threw his rock fingers in the air.

Chris Higgins covers the eastern and northern suburbs for the Register. Reach him at chiggins@registermedia.com or 515-423-5146 and follow him on Twitter @chris_higgins_ .

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Hog calling competition at Iowa State Fair ends in tie for the blue ribbon and five bucks