Second Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival Grows To Accommodate Demand

Organizers of the first ever Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival were blown away last year when the 180 person event sold out over night. This year’s event, presented by Des Moines Metromix, will accommodate 280 bacon lovers and offer at least 13 varieties of bacon for sampling.

“We were overwhelmed by the response to our inaugural event last year.” Said Brooks Reynolds, whose passion for bacon was the driving force behind the creation of the event. “We want to accommodate all bacon fans by increasing the capacity this year. It thrills me to know how many true bacon fanatics are out there!” he added.

At least 13 different bacon purveyors will be on-site at the event sampling their bacon including Vande Rose Farms, Iowa Farm Family, Hormel, Tiefenthaler Quality Meats, Applegate Farms, Coastal Vineyards from California and Django.

Last year, the guest who traveled the longest distance to attend the event was a man who goes by Mr. Baconpants from Pittsburgh. This year he will return with a film crew to document the event for his website dedicated to “all things bacon” www.mrbaconpants.com. Other websites who have featured the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival include www.baconunwrapped.com and www.baconfreak.com. Jeff Bruning, co-owner of the High Life Lounge and el Bait Shop was also interviewed on Sirius Satellite Radio and several other national radio shows as the event struck a chord with many bacon fans.

The Second Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, presented by Des Moines 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 and space is limited to 280 bacon fans. Entry fee includes a commemorative t-shirt, 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.

February 28 is the eve of 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.”

Schedule of Events [Bacon Showcase open throughtout event]

• 10:00 a.m. Registration – Bacon Bloody Marys are served
• 11:00 a.m. Bacon Invocation
• 11:15 a.m. 1st Bacon Lecture “Baconolgy 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

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

Facts
What – Second Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival presented by Des Moines 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

Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is presented by Des Moines Metromix with supporting sponsors Pabst Blue Ribbon, In Any Event, NCP Investment Banking, el Bait Shop , High Life Lounge & Pearl Vodka.

Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is made possible by the Bacon Board of Directors: Jeff Bruning, Seth Hall, Marshall Porter, Brooks Reynolds, John Tiffany, Kevin Tiffany and Mindy Toyne.