Not every bowl game is nationally televised or a title game for a regional organization. Some are part of the American fabric.

This Saturday’s “Guns and Hoses Pig Bowl” in Sacramento is one of those games that is deep-seated in a city’s culture. The annual event, which began more than four decades ago, pits some of the best athletes from the city’s police department against the city’s fire department — hence the name “Pig Bowl.”

Many are former high school or college players. Some are still involved in the game through coaching or other avenues.

The game used to draw more than 20,000 fans during its infancy, but now has crowds between 8-10,000 people at Sacramento State’s Hornet Stadium.

This year’s event is aimed at children with a kids’ safety fair near the field.

According to event treasurer Judy Mason, the fair will help promote safety and bring more awareness about law enforcement and public safety to children and parents.

“I’m trying to make it about the kids and help them learn something,” Mason said. “The safety fair is such a big part of the event.”

– Bill Bradley