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DeKALB – Stephenie Sandin said it was the sweet and salty combination that made the unique dessert she tried Saturday so delicious.

It wasn't long after BaconPalooza had kicked off in downtown DeKalb Saturday afternoon that Stephenie Sandin of DeKalb sampled a vanilla ice cream treat mixed with maple syrup and topped with bacon. She attended the festival, part of the third annual Kishwaukee Fest, with her sister, Haley Sandin of Sycamore.

"It's just perfect," said Stephenie Sandin of the dish's flavor combination. "And everything's better with bacon."

Brian Weidert, who owns Sunshine Ice Cream Scoop Shoppe and Bakery with his wife, Carole, came up with the concoction just for BaconPalooza. For a donation of any amount, bacon and ice cream lovers could try a sample of the pork-inspired snack. Weidert said Saturday's event was a good chance to raise money for the Feed'em Soup community restaurant, food pantry and clothing closet.

"It's a nice community event. Feed'em Soup is a great cause and we figured this is a good combination – something different. Hopefully this baby's full when I'm done," he said, pointing to the donation box.

About a block away, Boy Scout Troop 33 used BaconPalooza as a fundraising opportunity. They made traditional bacon cheeseburgers, and bacon-wrapped sausages and hot dogs.

Then they had the more non-traditional fare – bacon, veggie and shrimp skewers and maple frosted donuts topped with bits of bacon.

Troop leader Max Maxwell said as a cooking fanatic, he prided himself in coming up with "epicurean delights" to serve during the festival. He said the Boy Scout troop will likely incorporate some of its unique bacon dishes in future fundraising cook-outs, likely at Corn Fest, where he hopes to add bacon-wrapped asparagus.

Bacon was also the inspiration for Saturday's specials at the Hometown Sports Bar & Grill. The Ultimate BLT came with 10 to 15 strips of bacon. And aside from the bacon-filled grilled cheese on the menu, the restaurant served its Hometown Classic – a fried bacon-wrapped hot dog with tomato, onions, mayonnaise, mustard, pinto beans and homemade green sauce.

Owner Tom Schmidt said the Hometown Classic will likely be introduced as a permanent menu item within the next six weeks.

"A lot of times we try stuff like this and this is a good opportunity to test the market," he said.