I have great news for lovers of bacon. Yeah, bacon, the most delicious of meats that makes almost anything taste better. If you love bacon as much as I do you are in luck, because I recently discovered that there are bacon festivals all over the country, and each one sounds perfectly awesome. For those who love a great competition, there are even bacon eating contests and bacon cook offs. Why wouldn't a bacon festival be awesome? You've got fun, food, friends… and best of all, bacon! Check out just a few of the bacon festivals held each year and see if you can find one near you.
Iowa knows bacon
The Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, billed as the largest gathering of bacon enthusiasts in the world, takes place each year in Iowa. Why Iowa? The state of Iowa is the largest producer or pork in the nation by far. The whole place is practically wrapped in bacon. It's the perfect place to hold a bacon festival.
The 5th Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival was held in February, 2012. Tickets to the event went on sale in late December, and in just 25 minutes all 4000 were sold out. But bacon lovers still have a chance to catch a smaller version of the festival as it travels around the world this summer. With stops in Colorado, Iceland and North Carolina, you can have a taste of this fun event before the festival returns to Iowa for the 6th annual event next April. Visit their website to stay updated on when tickets will go on sale, because the 10,000 offered for 2013 are expected to sell out quickly.
Bacon served Chicago Style
Vying for the top spot in bacon festivals is Baconfest Chicago. Organizers describe this event as, "The greatest single culinary and cultural festival ever dedicated to Bacon and Bacon only." This festival, held in April, topped 3000 visitors in 2012 and the organizers expect even more in 2013. Like the Iowa festival, tickets to Baconfest Chicago sell out very quickly, so those who want to attend next spring should visit their website and get on the mailing list now.
Bacon for a good cause
What could be better than a great bacon festival? A bacon festival that benefits a good cause, that's what. If you are over 21 and will be in the Kansas City area on August 25, you can take part in Bacon-Fest, The Other Fundraiser. This festival features all sorts of bacon dishes served up proudly by local restaurants and accompanied by plenty of ice cold beer. The proceeds from the event help to fund the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, an organization which helps kids and adults with disabilities to live more independently.
Fastest bacon around
Tri-Cities Baconfest at the Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, Tennessee promises to be one of the most exciting bacon festivals in the south. Held at one of the world's premier race tracks, this event helps to provide funding for Bristol Speedway Children's Charities. Visitors can try all sorts of tasty bacon dishes and listen to great live music, play games and compete for prizes. Those who just can't get enough bacon can even sign up for the Man vs. Bacon contest. The event takes place September 1 with tickets on sale now.
More by Tavia:
Homemade Chili Night is Delicious Family Fun
Taco Night Gives Kids a Chance to Express Themselves
Qualifying Rounds for Annual Nathan's Hot Dog Contest Held Throughout June
Tavia worked as a naturalist and recreation specialist at an Oklahoma lake during her college years. She enjoys using what she learned as an outdoor educator in her work with children today.
