ODDLY ENOUGH

ODDLY ENOUGH

Detroit suburb celebrating prominent pig sculpture

GARDEN CITY, Mich.

A Detroit suburb was getting ready to go hog wild to celebrate the return of a prominent, plump pig sculpture to its downtown.

The Garden City Downtown Development Authority said a Friday celebration would mark the return of “Willie the Pig.” A community art fundraiser was to feature pork sliders and a pig-calling contest. A showing of the movie “Babe” was on the agenda.

The centerpiece of activities was to be an unveiling of the newly casted sculpture.

A shiny, red sculpture titled “Cochon Rouge” by artist Sophie Marie was stolen last year from Garden City. Also known as “Willie,” it was found missing three hooves and a snout along a bike trail in Livingston County’s Green Oak Township, about 35 miles northwest of Detroit.

Swimmer to go alone hauling 2,000 pounds of bricks

ALGONAC, Mich.

A long-distance swimmer says he’ll go it alone when swimming 22 miles across Lake St. Clair while hauling dinghies filled with 2,000 pounds of bricks.

Jim Dreyer had planned for a support boat. He said last week that logistical issues made the new plan simpler and it will “raise the bar a little higher.”

Dreyer has made direct crossings of each of the five Great Lakes. He plans to begin his swim next Monday from the Clinton River Boat Club near Algonac, and the event is to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. The swim is expected to take 30 hours and end Aug. 6 at Detroit’s Belle Isle.

Dreyer has partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Michigan to help support building projects.

Associated Press