Kipling, Saskatchewan is home to the Great Saskatchewan Bacon Festival, and is set to host its sixth annual event on June 16 at the Kipling Recreation Centre from noon to 4 p.m.
“In previous years we had a membership with Canadian Food Championships, which meant the winning vendors had the opportunity to move on to a national food competition,” Judy Larson explained. “Unfortunately CFC is no longer available. The funds which were previously designated for CFC membership will be used as prize money to be awarded to each of the four winners along with their trophy.”
In the past the bacon festival has seen almost anything you can make with bacon: bacon jam, candy bacon, bacon sushi, bacon crepes, bacon soup, maple bacon cookie dough truffles, bacon wrapped shrimp, bacon bruschetta, bacon crème brule, bacon stuffed mushroom caps, jalapeno wrapped bacon, sausage wrapped in bacon with raspberry sauce, peanut butter bacon cup cakes, bacon ice cream, bacon caramel rolls, asparagus wrapped in bacon, and much more.
“We have two new confirmed vendors this year – Otis with Tilli-Beans Bakery & Coffee Shop in Wolseley and Heather Williamson with The Chaparral in Arcola,” Larson added. “There’s a number of returning chefs and home cooks. It’s best to watch our Facebook where vendors and sponsors are updated regularly.”
“As for new items this year – I know we will be having bacon cabbage rolls from one of our returning home cooks, but generally most of the chefs like to keep us in suspense until the day of the event. We have never been disappointed and everyone brings their best game!”
The event sees four awards all sponsored by Sask Pork: (two are for chefs and two are for home cooks): Chef Savoury, Home Cook Savoury, Chef Sweet, and Home Cook Sweet.
Larson went on to say, “The last few years voting has been done solely by the ticket holders. There will be a bit of tweaking and critiquing to the voting method this year. We truly appreciate all the vendors that come to Bacon Festival and have been seeking their input to the voting method.”
The Bacon Festival is fun for the whole family too as there is face painting and a youth activity table as well as Kerr’s Bouncers, which are booked with a 22’ inflatable Pirate Ship Slide.
Entertainment throughout the event will be Curtis and Bonnie Szakac and family: “They are a diverse and incredibly talented family that have travelled the country being well received wherever they perform,” Larson stated.
“Trevor Gowen, who is entertainment by himself, is returning to be our emcee.”
Tickets for adults are $30, for those seven-years-old to 17-years-old they are $25, and for those six-years-old and under its free to attend.
Tickets are available at Kipling Businesses: Plainsview Credit Union, TD Canada Trust, Timeless Trends, Kipling Library, and the Paperclip Cottage. Mastercard and Visa purchases are available by phone or in person at the Paperclip Cottage: 306-736-2182. The Paperclip Cottage is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Please do not call during the noon hour.) Or contact sk.bacon.festival@gmail.com to arrange an electronic transfer, message them on Facebook: The Great Saskatchewan Bacon Festival to arrange purchase, or call Judy Larson: 306-736-3154.
All funds raised from the event goes towards supporting the community of Kipling.
“The Kipling Youth Centre (KYC) has benefitted greatly in previous years and will always remain on our radar,” Larson explained. “Profits from 2017 were shared with the KYC and Kipling Swimming Pool. Going forward the GSBF board will distribute funds to community organizations for youth related infrastructure and betterment in Kipling.”
“We really encourage people to avoid disappointment and purchase advance tickets. We cannot guarantee there will be any at the door. Tickets to the Bacon Festival make a great gift for Father’s Day!”
“The Bacon Festival has become a much anticipated and well attended family friendly event. We have had lots of individuals travel a significant distance, even outside of province to attend. It makes for a great road trip.”
