Located just 15 miles west of Downtown Des Moines, Waukee is a great spot to launch an Iowa adventure. Beer and brewing enthusiasts will feel right at home visiting local breweries such as Barn Town Brewing, 515 Brewing Co., and Fox Brewing. Looking for a bite to eat? Waukee delivers with popular locations such as Rube’s Steakhouse and Mickey’s Irish Pub.
The Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival "International Bacon Games - Light the Sizzle Within!" is the most extensive showcase of bacon on the planet, and it will take place February 18 at the Iowa Event Center. For the first time, the event is opening its doors to all ages, with limited access granted to those under 21. On the first floor of the event center, patrons will encounter the Bacon Education Center which includes lectures, cooking demonstrations, and the opportunity to earn Bacon Diplomas from the Blue Ribbon Bacon University. The second floor contains the Bacon Fellowship Hall, and it features more than 100 bacon-inspired dishes as well as 25 varieties of bacon for sampling. Patrons on the third floor (21 plus) will have the chance to visit six interactive themed bars that will serve beers, craft cocktails, and of course, bacon-inspired meals. Level four features Club Sizzle which is a Vegas-style pop-up nightclub where attendees can dance and mingle to their heart's content. Those over 21 should hang around after the main festivities for a two-hour after-party with a live performance by Smash Mouth. We interviewed Event Representative, Brooks Reynolds, to learn more about this savory celebration.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
BR: The 11th Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is one of the oldest and largest bacon festivals in the world.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
BR: We are celebrating our 11th year. It started on March 1st, 2008 with 200 people.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
BR: We expect more than 10,000 attendees.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
BR: Bacon Lovers of all ages.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
BR: We have the biggest bacon showcase of any bacon festival in the world. You can try 7-10 different brands of bacon at the BRBF. Club Sizzle, a 29,000 sq ft day club where you can sweat to the sizzle!
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
BR: We have a theme for each BRBF. This year is the "International Bacon Games - Light the Sizzle Within!" is an homage to the Winter Olympics that will be taking place at the same time in South Korea. There will be a series of games that you can compete in to win a medal.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
BR: Smash Mouth is playing this year as our headliner. Adam Poch from Big Brother 13 and Bacon Priest will also be in attendance.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
BR: There will be 30+ Food Vendors with over 75 unique bacon menu items for folks to enjoy.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
BR: There are plenty of hotels around the metro area. I suggest staying downtown at the Savery, Marriott, Residence Inn or the Holiday Inn, as they are downtown and you can walk to the event.
RAL: What does this event mean to the community?
BR: Iowa is the largest producer of pork in the nation. The largest bacon festival in the world should be here in Iowa. We have folks come from 40 different states and seven different countries.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
BR: We have a $750,000 economic impact on local businesses during the event weekend.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
BR: We support more than 10 local non-profits such as LLS, Moulton Elementary School, Variety the Children's Charity, and more.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
BR: It's a fun-filled day of all things bacon! You should come down and experience it for yourself. Everyone loves bacon!
For more information about the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival, please visit the event website.