Wilmette, Community

This little piggy is hidden throughout Wilmette, and the search is on.

Here, piggy, piggy, piggy.

The Wilmette Historical Museum is challenging local children (13 and younger) to find Mr. Loutsch’s lost pigs during a Pigs On The Loose scavenger hunt that began Sunday, June 11.

The plastic pigs are hidden at local businesses and include a photo of Loutsch with his actual pigs on his Wilmette farm. They can be found at 24 Wilmette locations, including Central Station Coffee & Tea, the Wilmette Library and the Centennial Recreation Complex. All the locations are listed on the program’s booklet found HERE or available at the museum, 609 Ridge Road.

Participants who find at least 15 of the lost pigs receive a small pizza from Lou Malnati’s and will be entered into a raffle for more prizes. Those who find 10 or more will get a Homer’s Ice Cream coupon.

The scavenger hunt is an annual summer program from the museum, which uses a new theme each other. This year, the hunt centers on Mr. Loutsch and his pigs.

According to the museum, Loutsch owned Wilmette’s last standing farm, which yielded pumpkins, beets, sunflowers, beans and more. Loutsch also kept animals, such as horses, cows and, of course, pigs. The farm was given to the Wilmette Park District after Loutsch passed in 1978 and it turned into Centennial Park.

Scavenger hunters can bring completed booklets to the museum (1-4:30 p.m. Sunday-Thursday) through Aug. 13.


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joe coughlin
Joe Coughlin

Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319

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