Second Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival

Many of you know that last year I attended the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival and had an amazing time. Over 180 people showed up to enjoy a full day of bacon. Brooks Reynolds, one of the guys behind the event, said he was overwhelmed by the response last year. This year they have expanded the event so it can accommodate 280 people. That means that this year’s festival is going to be bigger and better than last years.

This year, 13 different bacon producers, including Vande Rose Farms, Iowa Farm Family, Hormel, Tiefenthaler Quality Meats, Applegate Farms, Coastal Vineyards from California and Django, will be giving away free bacon. There is also a rumor that Heather, from Bacon Unwrapped, will be attending this year. I can’t wait to give her a high-five!

The Second Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, presented by metromix, will be held on Saturday February 28 at the High Life Lounge and el Bait Shop – 200 SW 2nd – Downtown Des Moines from 10am – 4pm. Cost for the event is $32.50 which includes a commemorative t-shirt (I still wear mine from last year), bacon bracelet, a menu of 7 bacon items, one free drink, unlimited samples at the Bacon Showcase, and a seat in the “Baconology part II” lecture.

Schedule of Events (Bacon Showcase open throughout event)

• 10:00 a.m. Registration – Bacon Bloody Marys are served
• 11:00 a.m. Bacon Invocation
• 11:15 a.m. 1st Bacon Lecture “Baconology part II”
• 12:30 pm. 2nd Bacon Lecture
• 1:00 p.m. Frozen Hosen on the patio (Free Beer on the patio while it lasts!)
• 2:00 p.m. 3rd Bacon Lecture
• 3:30 Bacon Eating Contest (Here is a video of last years)

Menu (will be served in a flighted fashion throughout the day)

• Bacon & Egg breakfast sandwich
• Bacon Lettuce & Tomato sandwich
• Bacon Cheeseburger Slider
• Bacon wrapped Hot Dog
• Brooks Bacon Popper Pizza from Fong’s Pizza
• Candied Bacon Ice Cream
• 2 additional items, which will be revealed the day of the event

What – Second Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival presented by Metromix
When – Saturday, February 28 10 am – 4 pm
Where – el Bait Shop & High Life Lounge – 200 SW 2nd Street – Downtown Des Moines
Cost – $32.50 Entry includes a commemorative t-shirt, bacon bracelet, a menu of 7 bacon items, unlimited samples at the Bacon Showcase, a seat in the Baconology part II lecture and one drink. All entrants will also be eligible for bacon prizes.
Registration – Space is limited to 280 participants. Tickets are only available at www.iowatix.com and www.blueribbonbaconfestival.com

This year I sponsored and created the website for the event. Check it out and let me know what you think. I hope to see you there!

Update: This event is now sold out. It only took five days!