We host some mighty interesting foodie events here in Arkansas.  There’s the Gillett Coon Supper.Or you might prefer the purple hull pea at the annual June festival in Emerson. And you definitely don’t want to miss the World’s Championship Steak Cook-off in Magnolia each May or the annual celebration of all things at the Pink Tomato Festival in Warren. We dance with the grapes at the annual  grape festivals held in Altus Wiederkehr Village and Tontitown (which starts this week). . We stuff our mouths with melons during Hope’s annual Watermelon Festival.  Arkansas’ major crop —rice—takes a bow in Weiner and Hazen. One of the new kids on the block, the Bacon Bowl, is coming up soon and you don’t want to miss it.

The 2nd annual Bacon Bowl presented by Petit Jean Meats will take place in downtown Bentonville on Saturday, September 13, from 9:00am until 12:00pm.
Teams consisting of chefs and amateur cooks will compete in Entrée and Dessert Divisions and test their culinary skills by creating innovative bacon creations featuring Arkansas’ own Petit Jean Meats bacon. Teams can choose to enter Entrée or Dessert divisions, or both, with Petit Jean Meats generously donating their mouthwatering bacon to all who compete.
Bacon Bowl attendees of all ages will vote for their favorite dishes in both divisions as well as the overall People’s Champion.  Local and nationally-known bacon enthusiasts, food writers and bloggers will determine who will represent the Bacon Bowl in the Bacon Division at the 2014 World Food Championships in Las Vegas where they’ll have the opportunity to win up to $60,000.

Photo courtesy of Sarabeth Jones

Teams are traveling from throughout Arkansas and the region to compete in the Bacon Bowl with the goal of winning the grand prize trip to compete in the 2014 World Food Championships in Las Vegas.  “We couldn’t be more excited to be part of the thriving culinary scene in Bentonville,” said event coordinator John McClure. “In addition to the Bacon Bowl, the nationally recognized Bentonville Farmers Market and world famous World Championship Squirrel Cook-off will be going on in downtown Bentonville that same day. We’re all working together to create a Saturday morning that people won’t soon forget.”

There will be live music, Petit Jean Meats sampling, other foods and beverages and much more.  Tickets are $10 at the gate; advance tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the Bentonville Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Please visit BaconBowl.net and the Bacon Bowl Facebook page for more details.

 Teams or individuals interested in competing should visit BaconBowl.net. Team registration is open until Friday, September 5. Space is limited.