Disclosure:  I did not receive any compensation for this announcement.  Petit Jean Meats is a friend and sponsor of Arkansas Women Bloggers of which I am a member.  I am happy to support this Arkansas project of theirs.  Plus, I’m a BLT lover!

The inaugural BLT Bowl presented by Petit Jean Meats will take place Saturday, June 14 from 1:00 pm – 4:00pm during the 58th annual Pink Tomato Festival in Warren.

 The BLT Bowl will feature teams taking the three basic ingredients of the classic BLT sandwich; bacon, lettuce and tomato, and it’s up to the teams to put their own twist on this legendary sandwich. Teams start with the bacon generously donated by Petit Jean Meats, their choice of the Bradley County tomato they think works best with their recipe and lettuce and beyond that, it’s up to the teams to test their culinary skills and creativity.

Local celebrities and food critics will determine the Overall Best BLT Sandwich and the champion wins a trip to Bentonville, AR to represent the Pink Tomato Festival and Bradley County at the 2nd annual Bacon Bowl on Saturday, September 13. Festival attendees will also have their voices heard by getting to sample and vote for the People’s Choice winner.

For those interested in competing, online registration for the BLT Bowl opens to the general public Tuesday, May 6 and lasts until Friday, June 6, 2014.  

“The Pink Tomato Festival is excited to host a competition featuring one of America’s favorite sandwiches, the BLT. We’re fortunate in Arkansas to produce two of the highest quality ingredients for the sandwich, the Bradley County tomato and Petit Jean Meats bacon.” said Pink Tomato Festival Event Coordinator David King. “The BLT sandwich is versatile, and we’re ready to see how creative and adventurous the teams will be.”

In addition to BLT sandwich sampling, there will plenty of Pink Tomato Festival activities going on including live music, children’s activities and much more. Tickets are only $5 and will go on sale starting Wednesday, May 15 at The Mad Butcher and SUPERVALU in Warren. Please visit baconbowl.net and the Bacon Bowl Facebook page for more details. Tickets are limited.