Bacon Fest expected to sizzle

Smell that heavenly aroma wafting from the kitchen?

It's only your imagination getting prepared for the second annual Bacon Fest this Saturday at the Union in Athens.

The event will feature live music from Hexnet, an Athens band, and The Sundresses from Cincinnati, in addition to burlesque performances from members Athens own Boxcar Burlesque.

Bacon Fest is also inviting members of the community to enter the Best of Bacon Competition, celebrating the much-maligned food item by competing for an award in six categories. Prizes are awarded for the most creative and unique bacon recipes.

In an effort to support the local food economy, organizers are encouraging all participants to buy local meats. To provide a fragrant ambiance, bacon is cooked during the event; last year 10 pounds of King Family Farms bacon was cooked and devoured by a packed house of bacon lovers.

This year, as a way of furthering the support of a vibrant local food scene, local restaurants, bakeries and food businesses have been invited to participate by donating bacon theme dishes.

Doors for the event open at 9 p.m. Saturday with Best of Bacon Cooking Competition entry submissions due by 9:45. Judging starts at 10 p.m., with the music and burlesque performances to follow.