Ottumwa is getting ready to celebrate one of its favorite traditions as BaconTown returns to Bridge View Center on Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Known as Ottumwa’s BaconFest, BaconTown celebrates the area’s connection to bacon, bringing together local chefs and vendors to showcase the many delicious ways bacon can be prepared and enjoyed. Organizers proudly point out that no town in America produces more bacon than Ottumwa.
Admission to BaconTown is FREE, thanks to Thunder Country 96.7, which is bringing the event to the community.
The festivities will also include the return of the Bacon Run, held in conjunction with BaconTown. Participants can choose from three events: a five-mile run beginning at 9 a.m., a 5K starting at 9:20 a.m., or the one-mile Piggy Wiggy Run at 9:40 a.m.
Runners and walkers will enjoy a scenic course along the Des Moines River using a private concrete and asphalt path. Registered participants will receive a race shirt, one pound of packaged bacon, five Bacon Bucks to spend at BaconTown, and a three-inch finisher medal. Cash prizes will also be awarded to top finishers in age categories.
Participants and their families will receive early admission to BaconTown at 10 a.m., one hour before the event opens to the general public.
Packet pickup begins at 8 a.m. inside Bridge View Center. Participants wanting to guarantee their preferred T-shirt size must register by November 7. Late registrations will be handled on a best-effort basis.
Families can also enjoy the free Kidz Zone inside the Bridge View Center arena, featuring carnival rides.
BaconTown will officially open to the public at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 14, at Bridge View Center, located at 102 Church Street in Ottumwa.
Organizers invite the community to come out, enjoy some bacon-inspired favorites, and celebrate one of Ottumwa’s unique traditions.
Event admission is free and is brought to you by Thunder Country 96.7!
