Sixth Annual Big Pumpkin Contest set for September 29

The sixth annual Big Pumpkin contest is scheduled for Sunday, September 29 in Waukon. The event, which takes place at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds, will begin with weigh-in at 9:30 a.m., with those big pumpkins being on display that day and this year’s winners being crowned at a 12:30 p.m. awards ceremony.
In addition to the biggest pumpkin, honors also will be bestowed upon the ugliest pumpkin and the best looking pumpkin. Furthering the pumpkin theme, contests will also be held for pumpkin decorating and carving. Those entries should be decorated or carved at home and brought to the event at the fairgrounds by 11 a.m. September 29. The pumpkins can be any size and decorated or carved in any tasteful way, with each contest being divided into the following three age categories: 0-6 years old; 7-13 years old; and over 13 years old. There is an entry fee per pumpkin, with prizes to be determined.
Back by popular demand are the contest’s two cooking competitions.
The Big Pumpkin Bake-Off contest will be available for anyone to participate in. All entries must include pumpkin in the recipe and there will be both adult and youth divisions in categories such as cookies/muffins, pies, quick breads, and desserts/bars. Judging will take place at 10:30 a.m.
A Pork Loin Cook-Off will also be held that day. Participants must pick up their pork loin from Jet’s Meats in Waukon Friday, September 27 and must prepare it on-site at the fairgrounds the day of the event. Contestants must bring their own grill on which to prepare their entry. Judging will take place at 12 noon.
Registration for the cooking contests must be received by Wednesday, September 25. Entries for the Big Pumpkin Bake-off can be sent to Carmen Whittle, 2878 Wren Valley Rd., Decorah, IA 52101 (Phone: 563-382-5393). Pork loin entries should be mailed to Julie Quandahl, 1510 West Ridge Rd., Waukon, IA 52172 (Phone: 563-568-7232).  
Placewinnings and monetary prizes for each contest will be awarded at a ceremony following the contests. Following all of the contests and the awards ceremony, a meal will then be served at 12:30. The meal, which consists of pork, potatoes, a vegetable, a beverage and samples of bake-off desserts while they last, costs $6 for adults and $3 for children ages six through 12. Children five and under are free.   
For more information, contact Adam Quandahl at 563-568-7230 or Gary Whittle at 563-379-3767.