Baconfest II Expected to Draw Thousands

By Christina Georgiou

If you love bacon--and seriously, who doesn't?--Easton will be the place to be on Saturday, November 9.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Easton's Centre Square, visitors will enjoy all things porcine from snout to tail, at Baconfest II, with numerous culinary offerings, including tastings, free samples and demonstrations, live music, art, kids' activities and events, more than 60 vendors, and even an Elvis impersonator contest.

And, while last year, visitors were so enthusiastic about snatching up the bacon-y bits that the supply ran out, this year, there will be enough bacon to last all day, no matter what, promised Easton Farmers' Market manager and festival organizer Megan McBride during a press conference held Friday at Two Rivers Brewing Company.

"I think we're ready," she said, outlining a plethura of foodie events, covering everything from breakfast to dessert.

Two Rivers Brewing Company chef Jeremy Bialker, along with Breakaway Farms owner Nathan Thomas, will butcher and prepare an entire naturally grown, pasture-raised pig, "Cheek-to-Cheek", producing seven or more decadent dishes, to be paired with various Weyerbacher beers.

Two Rivers Brewing Company chef Jeremy Bialker whipped
up some bacon-y goodies for reporters at Friday's press
conference announcing Baconfest II, including skewers of
apple, brussel sprouts and bacon, seen above, as well as
bacon sandwiches with cheese, onions and spices, and
bacon-filled donuts. (Yum!)

Bialker will also be defending his title as "Baconator" from last year in the "Bacon Battle" against at least three other local restaurant chefs in a competition where each will prepare an appetizer, entree, and dessert out of...bacon, of course.

But not all the Baconfest II competitions will be limited to professionals.

Bakers, both amateur and professional, are invited to take part in the "Hog Heaven" bacon cupcake competition. Three prizes will be granted to the best in each of three categories: a People's Choice, a Judges' Choice, and a best table design.

Those with an artistic flair are also invited to take part in the "Art du Cochon" contest, which will feature paintings, mixed media, and sculpture. First, second, and third prizes will be awarded to those works judged to have the most flair, and artists may choose to offer their works for sale or not.

If Elvis is more your speed when it comes to art, consider throwing your hips in the ring for the "Hunka, Hunka Burnin' Bacon" competition. Contestants, competing or the "2013 King of the Chops" title, will perform the Elvis song of their choice, including lyrics, gyrating, and a "King-inspired" costume, and also prepare their own take of Elvis' famous peanut butter, banana, and bacon sandwich.

For those who want to compete on a more impromptu level, kids and adults can take part in a hog calling contest, and winners will be awarded some "soooo-weet" prizes, festival organizers promise.

The younger set can also enjoy pig racing events, "Pancakes with the Piggy", a crafts tent, and a historic swine and agriculture display with games presented by farm historian Kyle Datesman.

Easton Farmers' Market mascot Sunny
horses around with Mayor Sal Panto
during Friday's press conference announcing
Baconfest II.

While some events have a nominal fee, admission to Baconfest II is free, as are many of the day's activities.

And, with so much bacon going around, the day is sure to be a big hit again this year. Baconfest II organizers estimate as many as 10,000 to 15,000 people are expected to attend.

"Last year's Baconfest was a big success. This year's, I think will rival any other event in the city," said Mayor Sal Panto, who added he's looking forward to the day.

For the full schedule of events, as well as more information and downloadable applications for Baconfest II contests, visit www.pabaconfest.com

For more about the Easton Farmers' Market, the oldest continuous open air market in the United States, visit www.eastonfarmersmarket.com