Elizabeth Wyant Named Honorary Chair of Pork Roll Palooza;
She’s the Answer to the Riddle:
What Do Bacon, Garlic, and Pork Roll Have in Common?

The countdown to Phillipsburg’s much-anticipated Pork Roll Palooza is on! Slated for Saturday, October 14, the excitement is building even more so as Elizabeth Wyant has been named Honorary Chair of the event.

With her strong ties to the Phillipsburg community, Wyant is the obvious choice for this new title!

Wyant, known affectionately as the “Bacon Lady,” and who is the market manager of Phillipsburg’s weekly Open Air Market, said, “I am honored to serve in this porkalicious capacity,” and then adding with a laugh, “just so long as there isn’t some sort of Pork Roll crown. Let the Pork Roll fly…or sizzle!” 

The 6th Annual Pork Roll Palooza’s festivities take place from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Shappell Park and the surrounding streets in Downtown Phillipsburg. 

Wyant, also known as Liz, is a dynamic force in the areas of event management and community revitalization. Her resume boasts an impressive range of accomplishments, showcasing her dedication to supporting local businesses and fostering vibrant downtown communities.

How does Wyant feel about being recognized as a real community asset? She replied thoughtfully, “While my background shows many accomplishments, none of the things that I, or any community do, are done alone. It is only with the support of engaged citizens that positive things happen. We all want our communities to thrive, and that happens with the time and effort of its citizens.”

“Elizabeth Wyant’s commitment to community engagement, economic development, and the celebration of local businesses aligns perfectly with the spirit of Pork Roll Palooza,” said Mary Jo Harris, Community Development at Norwescap and lead of the Pork Roll Palooza Planning Committee. “We are thrilled to have her as our Honorary Chair and look forward to her contributions in making this year’s event even more remarkable.”

Wyant has successfully managed, organized and chaired various events that have left a lasting impact on the areas she has served. Pork Roll Palooza is the latest event of which she’s become a part.

In her first year of involvement with Pork Roll Palooza, Wyant is set to infuse the event with her visionary approach. “I’ve always appreciated how a good party can really bring a community together,” Wyant shared, highlighting her enthusiasm for creating memorable and impactful experiences. Her deep understanding of what it takes to organize successful events and her ability to bring together diverse elements will serve to enhance the festivities of Pork Roll Palooza.

Wyant was already on board coordinating vendors, now as Honorary Chair of Pork Roll Palooza 2023, her vast experience and boundless energy will add a new flavor to this tasty event – a day of live music, delicious food, craft vendors, and a community-focused atmosphere.

She was part of the initial conversation on the development and coordination of the acclaimed PA Bacon Fest. Designed to extend the engagement of the Easton Farmers’ Market beyond the traditional summer months, it effectively communicated the importance of continued support for local businesses, farmers, crafters, makers, boutiques, and restaurants throughout the year.

As the former assistant manager of the Easton Farmers’ Market, Wyant was instrumental in expanding its reach and impact. She co-chaired the Easton Garlic Fest with Jo Moranville for many years, and still assists as a consultant and volunteer. As manager of both the Emmaus Farmers’ Market and Nazareth Farmers’ Market, she further demonstrated her commitment to fostering vibrant marketplaces that benefit both businesses and the community.

Through her role as the market manager for the Town of Phillipsburg’s Open Air Market she helped establish a unique market offering a platform for local makers, crafters, entrepreneurs and small businesses to showcase their products and concepts in an inclusive and supportive environment.

Sponsors of the 6th Annual Pork Roll Palooza include McWane Ductile, the Premiere Palooza Sponsor, along with additional sponsors Bourbon Street Wine & Spirits, Xfinity, and First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union.

Vendor spaces are still available for non-food vendors. Community-based agencies are particularly welcome for this event.

For vendor applications and sponsorships for Pork Roll Palooza, please visit www.porkrollpalooza.com; email communitydev@norwescap.org; or call 908-521-4220, ext. 3036.

Organizers say, “Let’s honor Liz and celebrate the spirit of community at the 6th Annual Pork Roll Palooza!” on Saturday, October 14, from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Shappell Park and the surrounding streets in Downtown Phillipsburg.

So…what do bacon, garlic, and pork roll have in common? All three of them are stars of their own festival, and each has been well-served by Elizabeth Wyant.

Originally established in 1965, Norwescap has evolved into a comprehensive nonprofit organization providing services to over 30,000 individuals in New Jersey annually. The organization offers a broad array of services that support and empower people with low to moderate income, helping them move away from the crisis of poverty and towards a future where they can thrive. Norwescap programs address immediate needs and build strategies for long term success, focusing on education, employment, financial empowerment, health and nutrition, housing and community development, and volunteerism and civic engagement.

For more information about Norwescap and its initiatives, please visit norwescap.org.