Do you love bacon?! Well Iowa State sure does! Yesterday was the second annual Bacon Expo held at Iowa State University, where attendees ate delicious bacon and learned about the pork industry. Held at the new Hansen Learning Center south of campus, the expo was inside and safe from the weather. Another new addition from last year was educational stations were added for extra learning, as well as a singing contest between talented students at Iowa State.
What was my role with Bacon Expo? I had the honor to serve at the Education Chair and worked with an amazing exec team to make this event happen. It started last spring, working with sponsors and vendors, organizing about 20 booths that served bacon or novelty items that included bacon. People were allowed to visit 5 booths with the use of one punch card. Along with eating tons of bacon, 4 education stations were set up teaching about the different stages of a pig’s life: gestation, farrowing, weaning, and finishing. The live display was also a huge hit, were people could look at 4-week-old pigs that were about 12-15 pounds.
My favorite part of the day was first eating bacon, but listening to the Bacon Voice competition that took place with Iowa State students. I also enjoyed watching my friend win the bacon-eating contest. I have never been so proud. (partial sarcasm)
At the end of the day full of running around, selling tickets, handing out prizes, watching baby pigs, and talking to people; I was absolutely exhausted but thrilled that the event was a hit and everyone enjoyed the bacon and a great day in Ames. Fun fact: pigs out number people 1 to 6 in Iowa, so I believe that learning and enjoying the pork industry is important to people in Iowa. Knowing about an industry that provides food for the world and is economically important in the Midwest can only help lessen the gap between producers and consumers. What better place to gain knowledge and eat great food than the Iowa State Bacon Expo!
Thanks for Ray Schmidt, the Bacon Expo Graphic Designer, for the images