November 15, 2018
Kingaroy’s BaconFest committee has been weighing the pros and cons of the festival becoming a biannual event for several months … and on Thursday, the decision was announced.
The quirky event will be going ahead again next year.
The inaugural BaconFest brought an estimated 8000 people to Kingaroy’s CBD this year.
Chief Baconeer Kathryn Stevens said the economic benefits that flowed from the festival were too hard to ignore.
“Some shopkeepers told us they had their biggest trading day ever, and all the accommodation in town was booked,” she said.
“So the BaconFest committee will be working hard to make next year’s event even bigger.
“The support of volunteers and sponsors made BaconFest possible in 2018 and we’re thankful for their ongoing enthusiasm for this event.
“Our committee is a creative bunch and we’re drafting an exciting program of events that will be unveiled in the new year.”
The announcement was made at the Glendon Street forecourt, where the BaconFest committee presented a cheque for $16,000 to Graham House Community Centre.
The money was raised from festivalgoers who gave cash donations as they entered the BaconFest Food Market.
Graham House Community Centre manager Linda O’Hare said she was grateful for the funds, which will be used to help the region’s farmers.
Linda said pig producers in the region were finding conditions particularly tough at the moment, but many other farmers have also suffered this year.
“This seven-year drought has had an enormous impact on grain prices, and pig producers aren’t eligible for the same levels of government support as some other types of farmers,” Ms O’Hare said.
“The storms that tore through the region last month have also caused additional stress.
“Many tears have been shed in my office as landholders have discussed the difficulties they face paying basic day-to-day costs such as rego, rates and insurance bills.
“This money will help to relieve some of that pressure.”
To inquire about sponsoring or volunteering at BaconFest in 2019, email the BaconFest committee
Next year’s BaconFest will be held on August 23–25.
