(Lander, WY) – The sixth annual Lander Pig Roast brought the community together last Saturday for an afternoon of free food, music, and even some friendly competition in City Park.
The opening ceremony began at the City Park stage with the presentation of the colors by the local Boy Scout BSA Troop #52 and a rendition of the National Anthem from Abigail Davidson of Kinnear, followed by an invocation from Rock Church Pastor Sam Anderson and a welcome address from Roast President John Larsen.
The opening continued on a moving note, with a Quilts of Valor ceremony. Three local veterans were honored for their service: Jimmy McCommings, who served in the Marines from 1966 to 1970, Alex Laird, who served in the Marines from 2010 to 2016, and Matthew Graf, who served in the Navy from 1968 to 1971. Each was bestowed with a quilt during the opening ceremony as the crowd looked on. The Patriot Guard Riders in attendance also gave each Veteran challenge coins in gratitude for their service.
Jimmy McCommings received his quilt of valor for his service during Vietnam from 1966-1970 Saturday in City Park. h/t Carl Cote Alex Laird was wrapped in a quilt of valor as he was recognized for his service in the Marines from 2010-2016. h/t Carl Cote Navy Veteran Matthew Graf stands to have a quilt of valor draped over his shoulders Saturday before the Pig roast in City Park. h/t Carl Cote Patriot Guard Riders give the quilt of valor recipients Challenge Coins as gratitude for their service Saturday in City Park. h/t Carl Cote Veterans Alex Laird, Jimmy McCommings, and Matthew Graf await their quilts of valor Saturday in City Park. h/t Carl Cote Veterans formed a color guard before the Pig Roast Saturday in City Park. h/t Carl Cote Janet Keiser explains the Quilts of Valor program during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Lander Pig Roast. h/t Carl Cote
The event carries on a tradition started by the late former Lander Mayor Monte Richardson, and the Richardson family was at the heart of it, helping hand out hundreds of free BBQ pulled pork lunches to anyone who showed up hungry.
The Lander Pipe Band provided entertainment throughout the day, and this year the band received a special honor. Emcee Vince Tropea read a proclamation from Governor Mark Gordon officially recognizing the success of the Lander Pipe Band, acknowledging their travels around the world and the community they provide for musicians of all ages. US Senator John Barrasso was also in attendance for the festivities.
Lander Pipe Band drummers march their way through speckled light under the cottonwoods in City Park Saturday. h/t Carl Cote Vince Tropea reads a proclamation from Governor Gordon recognizing the Lander Pipe Band Saturday in Lander. h/t Carl Cote Members of the Richardson family grabbed pulled pork to stuff into sandwiches Saturday at the Lander Pig Roast. h/t Carl Cote Children grabbed their pulled pork meals off the counter at the Lander Pig Roast Saturday afternoon in City Park. h/t Carl Cote Cornhole players tossed bags during the Lander Pig Roast Cornhole Tournament Saturday on the tennis courts in City Park. h/t Carl Cote
There was plenty to do beyond the food line. A cornhole tournament ran throughout the day on the tennis courts, and a dunk tank kept children occupied and laughing as familiar town figures took their turns getting soaked while the pork was being served.
Six years in, the Pig Roast is a fitting tribute to Monte Richardson and the community spirit he championed.