Everything's Better With Bacon

Oink! Oink! There is much excitement going on this week at the Iowa State Fairgrounds as the National Pork Producers Council is hosting the 26^th Annual World Pork Expo, which has brought producers from all corners of the world and industry experts to share ideas, exhibit new technologies, and celebrate one of my favorite foods—the “other white meat.” Growing up on a hog farm, I felt a little closer to my home while driving to work this morning. In the midst of living in Des Moines metro area, it was certainly a nice change of pace to see a few pairs of boots, smell the wood shavings at the hog show, and, of course, eat a good ‘ole pulled pork sandwich today at lunch.  

If you need to know anything about me, everyone in my family could tell you that I absolutely love food—especially when it entails something sweet. At the Fair a few years ago, I was one of the first people in line at the infamous “Fried Butter” stand. Today was no different, and I made the hike down the Grand Concourse to try out the “Bacon Wonderbar” with my fellow interns Emily and Stephanie. Lucky for me, my older sister, Sterling, is an exhibitor with her company at the Expo this year and was willing to sample the delicacy with us, a chocolate covered vanilla ice cream bar with bacon bits to top it off! I have to admit, it was not too shabby. After all, everything is better with bacon, right?

If you can’t make it to the World Expo this week, there is another chance for you to check out the Fairgrounds, maybe sample some food oddities, at the 18^th Annual Corndog Kickoff on July 12. I can’t guarantee there will be any Maple Bacon ice cream, but I am certain there will be some of your other Fair food favorites for you to “pig out” on! Be sure to get your tickets soon at the  Blue Ribbon Foundation website or by giving us a call at 1-800-450-3732.