The spirit of small-town community and friendly competition was on full display this past Saturday, October 3, 2026, as families, local leaders, and first responders gathered for the annual Blessed Trinity Holy Smokes Pig Roast & Bazaar.
Among the highlight participants was the Virginia Gardens Police Department (VGPD) cooking team, proudly competing under the moniker “Gettin’ Piggy Wit It!” Led by Virginia Gardens Assistant Administrator Zoila Lostarakos and Master Chef Officer Bermudez, the VGPD team cooked up a phenomenal roasted pig and delighted attendees with their incredible community spirit.
VGPD team members prepare their whole roasted pig under the department’s canopy. Photo: Village of Virginia Gardens
First Place for Best Decorated Booth
In addition to serving up mouthwatering pork, the “Gettin’ Piggy Wit It!” squad brought their A-game to the festival’s presentation. Their booth was a fully realized Western spectacle, featuring straw bales, fresh fruit decorations, a 3D inflatable axe-throwing target, and a massive “Wild West” inflatable archway complete with sheriff stars, steer skulls, and classic “Wanted” signs.
The dedication and creativity of the team paid off big time, with the VGPD squad officially capturing **1st Place for Best Decorated Booth**! 🏆🐷
The team and supporters posing under the award-winning Wild West inflatable archway. Photo: Village of Virginia Gardens
A Tremendous Community Show of Support
The event drew strong leadership support from the Village of Virginia Gardens. Among those who came out to support Team VGPD were Police Chief Hernandez, Lieutenant Morales, numerous VGPD officers and staff, along with Virginia Gardens Mayor Fred Deno and Council President Jorge Fernandez.
Events like the Holy Smokes Pig Roast are central to maintaining the close-knit, small-town atmosphere that residents love about Virginia Gardens and Miami Springs. It is a time when local businesses, families, and law enforcement come together to celebrate and support local education and parish efforts.
Blessed Trinity Catholic School and parish leaders celebrating another successful community event. Photo: Village of Virginia Gardens
Thank You to the Hosts
The Village of Virginia Gardens and the entire community extend a special thank you to Blessed Trinity Catholic School Principal Susy Del Riego, Father Matias Hualpa, and their entire hard-working school and parish staff for hosting another incredibly successful and safe Holy Smokes Pig Roast and Bazaar.
Congratulations once again to the VGPD “Gettin’ Piggy Wit It!” team on a job well done! 💙🐷
