Wisconsin State Fair: Chocolate-Covered Bacon

Yesterday the Wisconsin State Fair began its eleven-day run.

Day one attracted a huge crowd.

I've never been at the fair when it was so packed. It was so crowded that we didn't get flavored milk at Herb Kohl's Milk House. The line was unbelievably long.

The baked potato line was enormous.

The cream puff line snaked through the Cream Puff Pavilion and out the door!

The animal barns were packed.

Aisles of the Exposition Center would clog with people and literally come to a stand still.

In spite of the throngs in attendance, the mood was very festive.

What brought all these people out to the fair?

It could have been the weather. It was beautiful.

It could have been the admission deal. It was Hunger Task Force Day. With a donation of at least two nonperishable food items, admission was only $2.

Could it have been the chocolate-covered bacon on a stick, a new offering available at the Machine Shed?


"Mmm... bacon."

"Burnt Ends"? That doesn't sound too appetizing. It's a deceptive name. The Machine Shed menu describes Burnt Ends as "pork and beef cooked low and slow in our old-fashioned hardwood smoker, topped with our house barbeque sauce and served hot and tender."

That's much more tempting.

There was plenty of activity at the Machine Shed, but no long lines to purchase the new treat when I passed by. Nearly everyone in the area was holding a stick with bacon. It clearly was a big draw.

I considered giving it a try, but then passed. People seemed to be gnawing at it, like it was difficult to bite through. However, they did appear to enjoy it. I didn't see anyone toss the chocolate-dipped bacon strips away.

One problem with the fair is that there's so much to eat and so much to do that it's difficult to take it all in.

As far as problems go, it's a very pleasant one to have.


"You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me? You talkin' to me?"


"Have you seen Fatal Attraction?"