Bacon was the theme of the 18th annual Patrick Cudahy Day at the Wisconsin State Fair. Patrick Cudahy, a unit of Smithfield Foods Inc., has served as a primary sponsor of the fair since 1999.

Live cooking demonstrations put the company’s Applewood smoked bacon in the spotlight. Brand Chef Mike Wales prepared recipes featuring Patrick Cudahy Black Forest Bacon, Riojano Chorizo and Lunch Packs lunch meat.

Bacon hats, coupons, recipe cards and product samples were available from the Patrick Cudahy Pack House mobile tour display.

New this year, the company sponsored a ham appetizer recipe contest. Patrick Cudahy also sponsored a celebrity chef cooking competition featuring teams of local television and radio personalities. The teams were tasked with preparing three recipes using Patrick Cudahy bacon, ham and deli meats. The winning team received free bacon and ham for one year.