EASTON, Pa. — If you’re looking to enjoy some crisp fall weather with a savory bent, prepare for two days of grease, love and happiness this weekend.
PA BaconFest will celebrate its 13th year in downtown Easton from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2 and Sunday, Nov. 3.
It will feature live cooking demonstrations, creative bacon-based concoctions, competitions and much more salty, savory goodness.
The Greater Easton Development Partnership stated this year’s celebration is set to be even meatier than ever, with Godshall’s Quality Meats featured as the first-ever presenting sponsor for the event, which draws 80,000 visitors from all over the East Coast.
Godshall's, a Pennsylvania-based producer of premium bacon products, is well known for its approach to healthy and delicious wood-smoked meats, the GEDP stated.
“We’re thrilled to have Godshall’s as our presenting sponsor,” GEDP Director of Special Events and Promotions Marcy McKinney said.
“We believe bacon is more than just food—it’s a way to bring people together. And what better place to celebrate it than right here in Pennsylvania, where our company started?”Eva Balaz
“Their dedication to quality, community and, of course, bacon makes them the perfect partner for an event like this. We can’t wait to share this exciting experience with the thousands of bacon lovers who attend each year.”
Godshall’s will serve up plenty of fun activities and special bacon giveaways, along with samples of its peppered turkey bacon and beef bacon varieties.
“Godshall’s is honored to be part of PA Bacon Fest as the presenting sponsor this year,” Godshall’s Quality Meats Director of Marketing Eva Balaz said.
“We believe bacon is more than just food — it’s a way to bring people together. And what better place to celebrate it than right here in Pennsylvania, where our company started?”
Savory and sweet memories
BaconFest has arguably become the most beloved celebration in Easton, and the East Coast.
It has appeared on USA Today newspaper’s Top 300 events not to miss, and Parade Magazine’s “5 Can’t-Miss Bacon Festivals.”
Keep an eye out for some beloved Easton eateries such as Three Oak Steakhouse, 3rd & Ferry Fish Market and Sette Luna, which have plenty of porky dishes to go around.
Of course, there will be bacon goodies in every direction, from fresh bacon on a stick to bacon poutine to the fan favorite Three Oak 50/50 bacon burger to bacon sticky buns.
And those looking for a special twist in their booze, keep an eye out for bacon maple Manhattans, smoked garlic bacon bloody Marys, and a baconator breakfast cocktail.
Seriously, if you're going to the 'fest to score a 50/50 burger, get there early — the lines can go on for hours on end.
You also can prove your devotion to the gods of salty savoriness with plenty of bacon-themed merchandise from dozens of vendors.
Looking for some live entertainment? Swing by the IVEW Local 102 stage at 3rd and Ferry streets and the Air Products Stage at East Northampton Street and Larry Holmes Drive.
Also, the Easton Public Market Stage at 300 Northampton St., the Piglets Stage at 2nd and Northampton streets, the Lehigh Valley International Airport Stage at 2nd and Northampton streets, and the Service Electric Stage at North 3rd and Spring Garden streets.
Some savory and sweet memories
And then there’s the Bacon Eating set for noon on both days, in which participants are challenged to consume a pound of bacon in record time. Contestants must register by 11:30 a.m. at the Piglets Stage.
Looking to show off your bacon swag in peak pork form? Check out the costume contest at the Piglets Stage on Saturday and Sunday, beginning at 12:30 p.m., with contestants due to register by 15 minutes prior to the contest.
How are your hog calling skills? If you think you know your stuff, put it to the test at the Hog Calling Contest at the Piglets Stage at 1 p.m. on both days, with registration due 15 minutes beforehand.
And of course, you can’t forget about all the culinary contests throughout the weekend, along with the incredible Racin’ Bacon event, with a couple of crispy contenders battling for victory.
No matter what, if you have a fixation for the savory, salty, and/or sweet, make sure you get down to the ‘fest this weekend, and bring home the bacon.
