KELSEYVILLE, Calif. – Jeremy Zabel of Park Place took home the Best of Show Award, while Marisa Wondolleck of Dirty Girl Donuts won the Best Bacon Dessert Award and Aromas Café from Woodland Community College won the Best Savory Bacon Award at the annual Lake County Beer, Wine and Swine Baconfest, held on Father’s Day.

The People’s Choice first place went to Aroma’s Café of Woodland College, second to Jeremy Zabel of Park Place and third to Amber Vela of Konocti Vista Casino.

Baconfest isn’t over until it’s over, and it isn’t over until organizers meet for the Baconfest After Party to honor and celebrate the amazing volunteers.

Baconfest coordinator Rick White, Linda Foster, Robert Boccabella, Barbara Flynn, Helen Finch, Jason and Caroline Chavez, Terre Hourigan, Lori Coovert, Jeff Lucas, Mark Borghesani, Aaron Vandewarker and the entire Team Riley, Mike, Kim and Katie were on hand to talk about how they can do it even better next year.

Jack and Michelle Buell, Brad White and Tracy Klein were unable to join them but the group honored them anyway.

Finch Gardens was the lucky host of this year’s gathering and it was, indeed, a lovely evening under the oak tree with pulled pork sliders, a couple of slaws, potato salad, zucchini dip (thank you, Katie Riley!), and homemade cookies and chocolates (thank you Lori Coovert!) to complete the menu.

There was a lively discussion regarding how to go forward with Baconfest and everyone had something to share.

It is a good sign when your volunteers begin to develop the same passion as is shared by those who have been at the core of Baconfest since it’s beginning.

It is a beautiful thing to see the friendships that develop amongst individuals who might otherwise have had no reason to ever know each other. If camaraderie and since of family is what makes for a winning team then the Baconfest Sweat Hogs are way out in front.