Motorcyclists arrive at Lucan Baconfest. Photo from www.lucanbaconfest.ca. Motorcyclists arrive at Lucan Baconfest. Photo from www.lucanbaconfest.ca.
London

Baconfest Brings Motorcyclists, Bacon Lovers To Lucan

It's a return of everything bacon and bikes in Lucan this weekend as pork lovers and motorcycle enthusiasts descend upon the village north of London.

The fifth edition of Baconfest is expected to draw more than 30,000 people to the area. The one-day event on Saturday kicks off at 8am with a breakfast motorcycle ride that is followed by the blessing of the bikes and opening ceremonies at 10am.

"There are a lot of attractions and really something for everyone," said Lucan Biddulph Mayor Cathy Burghardt-Jesson. "We have a number of buskers out, we've got the stilt guys, chalk painters, and certainly lots of musical entertainment throughout the whole village. There is a children's playground with bouncy castles and lots of activities for kids. There are a bunch of the events at the arena including stunt drivers, Harley pulls, and the Globe of Death daredevil stunt show."

The events are divided among Main St., the Lucan Community Centre, the Lucan Legion, and Market St. Park.

Throughout the day there will be a show and shine, biker rodeo games, an ice carving competition, a talent show, and food vendors with their own unique bacon dishes.

Metallica, ZZ Top, and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute bands - Sandman, Triple X, and Southern Fried - will take the Hogland stage starting at 6pm. Tickets are required for the three tribute bands and Harley pulls, but otherwise, Baconfest is free to attend.

The weekend is sure to be a busy one for motorcyclists, many of whom have ventured to Friday the 13th festivities taking place in Port Dover.

"We had a number of people show up Thursday night for camping, they left Friday morning to head to Port Dover, and then they will come back and spend the day with us Saturday," said Burghardt-Jesson. "So if you're looking for a weekend of motorcycle riding, the two events complement each other."

Originally created as a customer appreciation event for Hog Town Cycles in 2013, Baconfest has grown into a mega event for the village of 2,900. According to Burghardt-Jesson, the economic boost for Lucan can be felt for months.

"It's an opportunity for us to showcase our community. To bring 30,000 people into your backyard you have to put your best foot forward and hope they will come back," said Burghardt-Jesson, who noted it's a feat that wouldn't be possible without the support of local residents and business owners.

"You never know who may be walking through the town and think this would be a good place to either live, work, or play. People do often come back and six months from now you may be standing in line behind somebody at the grocery and they say 'we were here for Baconfest two years ago and we liked it so much we moved to this community.'"

A full list of Baconfest events, times, and locations can be found by clicking here.

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