May 2 brings the first ever Beer, Bacon and Music Festival to the “old” Shelter Cove Community Park on Hilton Head Island from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the ever popular breakfast food, bacon, rising to almost food god-like status with themed pillows, shower curtains and even scented soap, it only makes sense to celebrate it with some amazing local beers and music that the entire family can enjoy.
“This is the first time we are ever attempting this festival,” said Joe Caine, the special events director of the festival’s host, the Island Rec Center. “We heard about other festivals like it around the country from one of our regular festival vendors. Some cities even have four-day festivals just devoted to bacon! Plus, since WingFest was moved to March that left the perfect gap at the beginning of May to introduce a new festival to the island.”
The best part about the new Beer, Bacon and Music festival really comes down to what’s being served. With great native Hilton Head restaurants, including One Hot Mama’s, Hilton Head Brewing Company, New York Pizza, Frankie Bones, the Mini Donut Chef, who may even offer a special a maple bacon donut, and many others, there are a variety of snacks and dinner delights to choose from.
From sides of bacon, to slab to pancetta, candied and even imitation bacon, the possibilities are endless! There was even talk of a bacon-flavored cheesecake and different bacon-themed cocktails located at the full service bar. Because, of course, it is all about the pig!
“Since it is our first Beer, Bacon and Music Festival, we are trying not to bite off more bacon than we can chew,” said Caine. “But we think this festival has great potential to develop into something big like WingFest or Seafood Fest.”
The Beer, Bacon and Music Festival is all about local tastes, so the Island Rec Center also decided to try a new way to showcase local musical talent by having dueling stages. The stages are located at opposite ends of the park, and once one band has finished their set, another will start on the opposing stage. Both Zack Stilner and the Chilly Willy Band will be playing, along with four other local bands and a few DJs.
“It is really an interesting mix that we think everyone can enjoy,” said Caine.
Admission to the festival, which is presented by Western & Southern Insurance and the Island Rec Center, is $6 for adults and free for children ages 10 and younger. The festival is on Saturday, May 2, located at the “old” Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Ln., NOT at the New Shelter Cove Community Park behind the Shelter Cove Towne Centre. For more information, call the Island Rec Center at (843-)681-7273.