When the Kiss the Pig contest began earlier this month, the leader was Dr. Carman Czachar with Dr. Brian Marts, both local veterinarians, as a distant third. But supporters of Marts staged a last-minute

donation campaign and raised more than $253 on the last day of the contest. At the final count, Marts had more than $369 and won the contest.

On the last day of the Clallam County Fair, Marts kissed the pig as the highest fundraiser for Clallam County 4-H in the 2008 contest. The kissed pig was a large sow that was shown, with her piglets, at the fair. Marts showed up sporting a surgical mask, saying he wanted to protect the pig from his germs. However, he took off the mask to reveal his lips painted bright red with lipstick. After Marts kissed the pig, she kicked up her heels and ran around the arena making a barking sound. According to her owner Nicole Murray, that is what she does when she is happy.

Marts had told his clients that he will be retiring soon and so many people wanted him to kiss the pig this year.

Clallam County 4-H thanks the 15 veterinarians who cooperated in the fundraiser and everyone who donated in their favorite veterinarian's name. More than $1,143 was raised for the 4-H youths. Money will go to scholarships for graduating seniors, year-end awards and financial support to help members participate in out-of-county 4-H activities.