The growing crowd gathered for the 9th
Annual Giant Pumpkin Contest at the Cook County Farm Bureau Saturday,
October 17th. They were filled with anticipation as members
of the Commodities/Marketing Team weighed the seven Giant Pumpkin
entries and four Junior Division Giant Pumpkin entries.
First place this year, went to Roger Freeman, with a
whopping 626 pounds. Second place went to Don Carlson with a pumpkin of
306 pounds. Third place came in at 212 ½ pounds to Ted Biernacki.
Our first year of the Junior Division Giant Pumpkin
Contest was a great success. Alexis Mazelka grew a 187 pound pumpkin for
first place. Second place went to Ben Brandau with an 84 pound pumpkin
and third place weighed in at 79 pounds to Jonathan Piecuch.
Gerry Kopping, Commodities/Marketing Chairman, said
"We were exceptionally pleased with the quality and quantity of entries
for this year’s event. We congratulate all our members on their growing
efforts and results that culminated with this event.
The contest was open for members of the Cook County
Farm Bureau and the pumpkins had to be grown by the member.
In its 3rd year of competition, seven
members entered a baked pumpkin pie contest. Our taste test panel were
thrilled with all the entries! Tasting judges Don Zeldenrust, Lloyd
Brandau, Roger Freeman and Kathy Bloomstrand evaluated the pies on
appearance, crust and filling. The panel determined that 1st
place went to Carol Tools, 2nd place to Jill Kuehn and 3rd
place/tie went to Kelly Carlson and Kenna Kuehn. The panel also
commented that the judging was very difficult since each pie was
excellent.
The final activity for the morning was the judging of
the Jack-O-Lanterns carved by kids 16 years or younger. The theme for
this year’s competition was Illinois Politicians and the pumpkin art was
judged on appearance, detail and creativity. 1st place went
to Kenna Kuehn, and 2nd place went to Kelsey Kuehn.
The Commodities/Marketing Team is very pleased with
all the entries and growing enthusiasm of the members and participants.
We all look forward to another fun year filled with friendly competition
in 2010!
See more photos on Page 4. A video of the event can
be found at www.cookcfb.org.
