About

What started as one man’s passion for “all things bacon” has evolved to an entire event dedicated to the salty indulgence. Brooks Reynolds of Des Moines approached Full Court Press and In Any Event in the summer of 2007 with the idea and the festival was born: a day dedicated to nothing but Bacon – the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival. Reynolds recruited fellow bacon lovers and the group formed the Iowa Bacon Board of Directors. Informal meetings of the group have been held for years with weekend retreats at Spirit Lake where each bacon fanatic would bring at least two pounds of bacon for consumption over a two-day period.

“Most people feel they should be ashamed of their affinity for bacon.” Reynolds said. “We are encouraging individuals to embrace their inner bacon-lover and celebrate this product which is largely produced right here in Iowa.” He added. “We have world-class pork producers from around the state who finally have a forum dedicated solely to bacon.”

The first annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival was held on Saturday, March 1 @ the High Life Lounge and el Bait Shop – 200 SW 2nd – Downtown Des Moines from 10am – 4pm.

March 1st is also National Pig Day, which was started by Texas art teacher Ellen Stanley in 1972 to honor and give thanks to “our most intelligent domesticated creature.”