Several hundred wine enthusiasts braved 90-degree temperatures for the Iowa Pork Lawn Party at the Jasper Winery in Des Moines yesterday afternoon.

The Iowa Pork Producers Association sponsored the event as part of the annual eight-day Des Moines Winefest.

Jethro’s BBQ in Des Moines won IPPA’s “Ooey, Gooey, Saucy & Savory Pork Challenge” at the Meredith Test Kitchens in Des Moines this spring with its roasted pork shoulder Porchetta Hero Sliders and earned the right to attend the event to provide the sliders for guests.

Nick’s in Des Moines, the winner of IPPA’s 2016 Best Breaded Pork Tenderloin contest, also attended the lawn party and handed out free tenderloin sliders to the guests.

About 20 IPPA staff and producers participated in the Restaurant and Foodservice Committee promotion to stroll the grounds with trays of the pork items to give to the guests and visit about pork and pork production.

IPPA offered a pork grilling basket door prize, pork recipes and other information during the event.

The Iowa Pork Lawn Party attracts several local food vendors, wineries and breweries that share samples of their products. Live music serves as the backdrop for the festivities.

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