It takes Felix and Mary Garcia one year to plan, buy supplies and get ready for the "matanza," or pig killing, that has become a regular part of what began as a family reunion in Willard about 35 years ago, Mary Garcia said.

Modesto and Lusita Garcia never dreamed their family reunion would become an annual gathering for about 300 or more family members, motorcyclists and friends, said Cassandra Garcia, their granddaughter.

But in the early morning hours Sunday, Fernando Gonzalez killed a 450-pound pig with one shot, after which Nick Ortiz stabbed it through the heart with a 12-inch blade.

It then took 10 men about four hours to "dress" the beast, Felix Garcia said.