The sun beats down and the sound of sizzling overruns a crowd of thousands. It isn’t the sound of the people cooking under the heat of this 90 degree Sunday afternoon, either–it’s the sound of bacon. Richmond kicked of its first annual Bacon Festival on Sunday, June 9 at the Richmond Farmers’ Market with an overwhelming crowd turnout.
The sun beats down and the sound of sizzling overruns a crowd of thousands. It isn’t the sound of the people cooking under the heat of this 90 degree Sunday afternoon, either–it’s the sound of bacon. Richmond kicked of its first annual Bacon Festival on Sunday, June 9 at the Richmond Farmers’ Market with an overwhelming crowd turnout. Many local restaurants showed up to dish out their best bacon-themed and bacon-featured entrees. You could find almost anything that your heart desired, covered, sprinkled, on top of, inbetween, layered with, and even garnished with bacon.
Musicians hit the stage at the event with a range of rock and country tunes. Bands sponsored by radio station K-95 rocked the crowd, both young and old. The true party, however, didn’t get started until an 80s rock tribute band sparked up an already very hot day. Even those in the long lines had to dance the electric slide as it played and with every “slide to the left,” the line moved forward.
As some danced to the hits, others waited in line for some of Richmond’s best craft beers. In a line that seemed to stretch around the entire block, patience was in abundance for good reason. “Don’t expect to be in any line for less than 20 minutes,” said Allison Frye. “But trust me, it is worth it.”
“The Devil’s Backbone beer,” added her husband, Clinton Frye. “Good stuff.” Not only were they serving staples like Bud Light, a number of craft beers and other cocktails were available as well. Craft beers included American IPA, German Maibock, and Irish Red Ale. A favorite for some festival-goers was a dark apple cider from Bold Rock Hard Cider, chased by a Bacon Bloody Mary.
The heat was not enough to stop anyone. “It’s hot and crowded,” said Sherry and John Petersick as they enjoyed a Bacon Peanut Butter and Chocolate Truffle with young daughter Clara. “[But] the food is delicious. It has been worth the wait.”
Another fan favorite was the bacon ice cream. “Oh my gosh!” exclaimed Chantal Fleming. “The bacon ice cream. I llloveeee the ice cream and bacon!’’ Chocolate and bacon seemed to make a great pair all afternoon, with things like the bacon popsicle and even bacon s’mores joined together with pig shaped crackers.
Other bacon fans came dressed in their favorite bacon themed costumes. some dressed as strips of bacon, some as pigs and others with bacon neck ties. One couple in costume will make their attendance a regular thing. “A little warm but great,” said Trish Rice and Wil Volz, with their pig noses in the air. “We hope they do it again next year.”
And those who don’t eat meat were not forgotten. Tim, a regular vendor at the Farmers’ Market, stayed to encourage everyone to eat their vegetables and complete a healthy diet. He is 100 percent vegan, he tells us. “It’s wonderful out here,” says Tim. “Lot of peoples buying stuff, and I’m trying to get them to eat their fruits and vegetables with their meats.”
Not only was there a variety of vegetables and gluten free products for sale, but merchandise as well. A number of vendors sold scarves, fans, hats and handmade jewelry. Even the Beard League of Richmond had come out to show their support for the festival, fully stocked with business cards and t-shirts.
As the festival came to an end, with the heat getting to many, one line remained open and strong–a line ending at a small booth with a sign on top reading “Snow Cones.”
