EASTON, Pa. — Tens of thousands of little piggies came through downtown Easton to enjoy all the salty, savory selections at PA BaconFest 2024 on Saturday.
What many consider to be the city’s favorite ‘fest drew impressive foot traffic to Easton on a brisk but sunny day, where patrons could enjoy their favorite meat in countless ways, whether that be on a stick, in a burger, atop a doughnut, or even in a mixed drink.
As the smell of smoky wood drifted through the air, crowds flowed from truck to tent to sample all sorts of bacony offerings.
Plenty of people brought their dogs along for the ride, with most behaving quite well despite all the meaty goodness — though maybe they could expect a slab of bacon for upstanding behavior.
Children and adults decked out as pigs abounded, even before the Racin’ Bacon challenge.
And while there were plenty of intriguing options for the adventurous diner—– care for a bacon beer to go with that bacon poutine and bacon-wrapped cannoli?—– a few favorites remained consistent.
BaconFest volunteer Anthony Onorata said by the time he started his shift on Saturday, the line for Three Oak Steakhouse’s much-loved 50/50 burger—– featuring a patty with half ground beef and half bacon, bacon jam, steakhouse aioli, and frizzled onions on a brioche bun—– stretched down an alley and almost all the way to 4th Street.
And that was even before they started serving, Onorata said.
“There's a lot of return people. But it's funny, if you listen to some of the people in line, they're saying, ‘Is this your first year? Is it not?’ And the people that have been here the last couple of years are saying how great it is, and it's worth the wait,” Onorata said, adding he enjoyed a 50/50 burger for breakfast that morning.
Wait times averaged about 50 minutes from the back of the line to the Three Oak Steakhouse tent, but most people were patient and generally enjoyed the pleasant fall weather, Onorata said.
Vinnie Nosenzo said he has made the 50/50 burger a priority at BaconFest for over ten years, making a point to say the wait in line is “worth every second.”
“It's unlike anything you'll get down here… It's the most sought-after thing at BaconFest fest,” Nosenzo said, adding the burger pairs well with a Maple Bacon Manhattan from Three Oak.
Those looking to score some fresh bacon to cook up at home could find plenty of variety at the Breakaway Farms tent, which featured over 50 options for just about every bacon connoisseur.
Breakaway Farms General Manager Sarah Barton said business was booming on early Saturday afternoon, with plenty of people intrigued by the specialty flavors.
“Our top sellers are probably our applewood, our garlic chipotle, and our bourbon brown sugar,” Barton said. “Garlic chipotle is my favorite, but I would also say we have a brand-new bacon this year, apple cinnamon bacon, and that’s probably the one I’d recommend after the garlic chipotle.”
Sweet Girlz associate Jess Geisberger said the shop’s desserts were selling “fantastically,” especially their various bacon-centric options.
“People are loving them, especially the Deep-Fried Hog Wild, which is deep-fried in pancake batter, and then we place a piece of chocolate-covered candied bacon and stick it in there for you,” Geisberger said.
Other options at the shop included chocolate-covered bacon, maple pancake bacon, and pumpkin bacon cupcakes. They may seem a bit unusual, but Geisberger said the fans were ravenous for them.
“I think people who are coming here are prepared for stuff like this – they know exactly what they’re coming for,” Geisberger said.
Dean and Brenda Marelli said they make it a point to come over to BaconFest from New Jersey to be with Brenda’s 20-odd cousins each year, enjoying the opportunity to try out a wealth of tasty bacon treats.
Brenda Marelli said she enjoyed a thick slice of hickory bacon, featuring a slight hint of sweetness which paired well with her bacon Bloody Mary.
But at the end of the day, it’s all about the basics, Dean Marelli said — that smoky, savory, fatty, salty star of the show.
“I went with the traditional; I’m a simple guy. It’s excellent,” Dean Marelli said.
PA BaconFest continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3. For all the details, check out our preview article here.
