Delphi hosts third annual Bacon Fest

The third year of Delphi’s Bacon Fest was another success. Each summer since 2013, local restaurants have provided delicious food and talented singers have belted out their tunes as thousands of people flock to Delphi to take part in the festivities.

According to Julia Leahy, Executive Director of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, 9,000 people attended this year’s Bacon Fest, which was first originated by Delphi’s previous Mayor, Randy Strasser, and a former employee of Indiana Packers Corp. “With the ‘bacon craze’ that’s been building along with the Indiana Kitchen brand of bacon made right here in Carroll County, it was a perfect reason to have a festival,” said Leahy.

The idea came to fruition fairly quickly. Strasser brought the idea to the Carroll County Chamber board in April of 2014 and the first festival was held on Aug. 16 of that year. Six thousand people were in attendance for the inaugural year. However, planning for this year’s event began in February and the Bacon Fest was held on Aug. 27.

The Bacon Fest brings entertainment and revenue to the city of Delphi. All of the profits are shared with the non-profit organizations who help with the event. There are three primary organizations: Carroll County Chamber, Carroll County Senior & Family Services, and Gateway Connection. There are also many secondary non-profits this year, including Delphi FFA, Delphi Football, and Delphi Athletics. Overall, this year’s Bacon Fest utilized close to 400 volunteers.

Local business owners enjoy the opportunity to participate and noted differences in this year as compared to years past.  Patti Dunbar, owner of Mitchell’s Mexican Grill, said that Mitchell’s was much busier than past years; however, they did not run out of food until the very end of the event. She handled the stress by letting things go with the flow, pre-planning, and having a great staff. Dunbar said she enjoys being a part of the Bacon Fest, stating that it is one of their biggest days with the food truck, and it brings in a lot of new customers.

The Bacon Fest has been a wonderful addition to the community calendar and has become a successful new tradition. Leahy mentioned, “It is truly rewarding to see so many new faces to the community enjoying great food and music and experiencing what Carroll County and downtown Delphi have to offer.”