Dressing as viral pig showman may be year’s best Halloween costume

Halloween enthusiasts have been flooding social media with myriad costumes, ranging from witches and cats to minions, Godzilla, and more. But what hadn’t made the list until now was an homage to Karis Dadson, the viral pig showman known for her unwavering focus in the show ring.

Over the weekend, an Arizona couple perfectly captured Dadson’s likeness and mannerisms in their costume, complete with an impressively intense stare and an equally compelling pig by their side.

Haley Hanson explained that a coworker had come up to her asking about her plans for a Halloween costume, encouraging Hanson to dress as Dadson. “She said, ‘You need to be Karis’” said Hanson. “And, I was thrown off at first. And then, I looked it up, and I was like, ‘I need to be Karis. She’s an icon.’”

Dadson, a 13-year-old from California’s Dadson Farms Show Pigs, skyrocketed to viral fame last year thanks to a video showcasing her concentration while showing her pigs. In recent years, steady eye contact has become a main ring trend at livestock shows, and Dadson’s eye contact is top-notch whether she has a pig or lamb in hand.

Her unique style and determined stare have captured the attention of millions of viewers online, sparking countless comments about her piercing gaze. The Arizona couple’s costumes pulled off every detail with uncanny accuracy: the unmistakable intensity of “Karis’s” eyes, the well-coordinated show attire, and even that show pig strut.

On social media, the couple’s performance has sparked laughter and applause, with fans loving the way they captured Dadson’s iconic stare and look. Among the commentators: 

• “The costumes, the transition, the perfect facial expression. This is gold.”
• “Best costume of the year.”
• “I’m terrified how accurately this was recreated.”
• “I’m so jealous when people find that costume that just works for them perfectly.”

Dadson Farms Show Pigs even commented on the video, saying, “Perfection!!”