It’s not every day you see a man in a tuxedo jacket and denim overalls, holding a cocktail in one hand and a slice of fried bologna in the other--but that’s just the norm if you’re at the Hog Ball: A Local’s Affair. Now in its fourth year, Williamson County’s most delightfully fun-filled and impactful fundraiser is bringing the sparkle and sass back to town.

The Hog Ball is the creation of a tight-knit group of friends, including Allison and Jason Brown, Adam and Ginger Caldwell, Courtney and Matt Daniel, Ondrea and Glenn Johnson, Kristin Carbray Martin, Zane Martin, and Ashley W. Roberts. “We were having brunch at The Bunganut Pig one morning after a fundraiser and laughing about how we paid to eat dinner together at the previous evening’s event—and then having brunch together with the same people without a ticket. One thing led to another, and a ‘party with a purpose’ was born,” explains Hog Ball co-founder Ondrea Johnson. “Since we were eating at The Pig, it was our inspiration for Hog Ball.”

Ondrea says that the charities chosen to benefit from the Hog Ball are mostly hyper-local and do not hold their own fundraising events. “We celebrate the spirit of old Franklin while raising real dollars for local, high-impact nonprofits. Each year, our volunteer committee nominates and vets Williamson County organizations that make a direct difference,” says Hog Ball co-founder Courtney Daniel. “We aim for a balanced slate across needs (families, education, food security, animal rescue, etc.). On event night, every ticket equals a vote at check-in: the top vote-getter receives the majority of proceeds, and the remaining finalists each receive a $1,000 grant. It’s joyful, transparent and community-driven.”

After the first year, the popular event immediately outgrew its original location of The Bunganut Pig and moved to the Eastern Flank Battlefield Park, where it will take place this year as well. The popularity of the event is also driven by the fashion. “The first year, we thought it would be fun to do black-tie at The Pig, but attendees all had their own take on black-tie,” says Ondrea. “For example, one guest came in overalls, a bow tie and tux jacket. That was really the inspiration for some more outlandish fashion choices in year two, including UT overalls, sequined cowboy hats, and more. From there, we’ve really tried to have fun with the theme and encourage everyone to do their own thing.”

 “I feel the overall vibe around fashion embodies being lighthearted and self-expressive,” says Hog Ball co-founder Ginger Caldwell. “Do what feels best for you! If you love high style, then pour it on. But if you are a more jeans, boots and cowboy hat kind of person, then that works too!”

At Hog Ball, the motto is pretty much: Come as your EXTRA self. This year’s theme is “Hog-Tied in 2025” and—honestly—no one really knows what that means yet, which is half the fun. A Western twist? A nod to fashionably restrained chaos? Either way, expect creative interpretations. Think feather boas, bolo ties, fringe everything, and probably a whole lot of rope-inspired accessories.

This year, they have also partnered with the Downtown Franklin Rotary Club so that all tickets and sponsorships can be tax-deductible. The event will start with the signature fried bologna, then go into a casual, southern dinner (with plastic utensils), and end with dancing the night away.

The organizers say they have no intention of turning Hog Ball into some massive black-tie beast. “We love the scale we’re at. The magic is the porch-party feel where you know folks on the dance floor,” says Courtney. “In the next few years, we’ll keep headcount steady, elevate the experience, and grow impact through sponsorships and matching gifts rather than more bodies.”

“Personally, I’m just excited to see the event thriving,” says Ondrea. “I think it’s something Franklin craves. It’s a taste of how things used to be in Franklin. Everyone is welcome, but we’ve tried to keep that old Franklin feel, so even people new to Franklin get to experience a taste of what made Franklin the place everyone loves to be.”

The Hog Ball isn’t just a fundraiser. It’s a fashion fever dream, a community throwback, and one heck of a good time. So, if you’ve ever wanted to go out in cowboy boots and a ballgown or rock a vintage blazer with shorts and suspenders—all for a great cause—this is your night. Dig out those sequins, dust off those boots, and mark your calendar. The Hog Ball takes place on October 4^th and tickets sell out fast.