For three years Morgan Onda held an annual party at his Esquimalt home. Bacon was the central theme, and Onda, a red seal chef, produced various bacon edibles.
“The word kept growing, friends told friends, and I had a lot of people who wanted to come to my party,” Onda says.
Instead of holding another exclusive shindig at his home, he’s instead launched Baconalooza!, a one-day festival revolving around bacon, May 23 at Velox Rugby Club.
“I want this to go every year, for at least 10 years,” Onda says.
Baconalooza is six hours of entertainment, organized by Onda based on his 10 years of experience volunteering with the set up of the Great Canadian Beer Fest.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. He’s already sold more than 200, though the cap for Velox, where he’ll hold the outdoor party, is 2,500 people.
“We have a stage and five bands on board to play, including one I was in 25 years ago,” Onda says.
Beer, too, is part of the deal. Vancouver Island Brewery is actually brewing a bacon beer and will have a variety on hand for $5 each. About six stores and restaurants are on board with more coming. Each will serve a bacon-themed dish for $5.
“I guess it’s not that far off the Brewery and the Beast, Beer Fest, or Stein and Dine, but this is outside, it’s family friendly (kids under 12 are free), and we have live music,” Onda says.
Doors open on Saturday, May 23 at 1 until 7 p.m. at the Velox Rugby field and Clubhouse. 3957 Gordon Head Rd.)
It’s not a joke, either, that procedes from the event will support the Heart & Stroke Foundation, as well as the Velox Rugby Association and Esquimalt Lions, who’ll be there too.
“I chose the Heart & Stroke Foundation because I feel like they’re being overlooked by other charities right now and they do great things,” Onda says.
“And you shouldn’t eat bacon every day either. Everything in moderation. Really, I suggest everyone build their appetite for a great day of bacon indulgence on May 23.”
Onda has been notified of an anti-bacon meetup led by animal sympathizers planned for the same day, though he’s not sure where they’ll congregate.
For more information visit the website baconalooza.com
reporter@saanichnews.com
