The Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival - Des Monies, IA

The Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is entering its fourth year when it opens its doors this Saturday the 26th of Feburary in Des Moines, IA. The Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival allows individuals the opportunity to sample a varity of bacon brands and speak directly with brand reps as well as gives you the opportunity to share your love with many other bacon lovers like yourself. Last year more than 1,200 lbs of bacon, approximately 30,000 strips, were consumed last year.

What started as a groups’ passion for “all things bacon” has evolved into America’s premier bacon festival. In 2001, a group of guys began celebrating bacon during an annual weekend retreat in Spirit Lake, IA. Six years later, they pursued a deeper understanding of their favorite meat by earning “All About Bacon” diplomas from Living History Farms. On March 1st, 2008, officially organized under the Iowa Bacon Board and led by Brooks Reynolds, they went on to found a festival: a festival with the mission of improving the enjoyment of all things bacon by providing education, recognition, advocacy and research on behalf of the masses, everyone, everywhere, all of them. They are serious.

Here's the schedule of the events
http://www.blueribbonbaconfestival.com/the-bacon-week-schedule-of-events/

I'll be honest. I did not know this existed until I got into the world of bacon blogging. Hopefully I'll be able to make it there next year.