Thanks to those who helped with contest

The 10th annual Dundee Township Visitor's Center pumpkin contest was held Saturday, Oct. 25. It was held concurrently with the weekly Farmer's Market on the grounds of The Depot in historic downtown East Dundee.

This year's competition was a lot of fun and very exciting, thanks to the participation of area businesses that, through their generous donations, provided prizes to all our winners. Altogether six happy finalists from either the "Largest" or "Decorated/Carved" category, went home with their share of the winnings. Also a special "Kids Decorated Pumpkin" prize was awarded.

I'm sure the excitement was genuine, as this year's total package of $1,065 for the day guaranteed big prizes. Again this year, as in the past, special gifts were given to all entries in this free contest.

As contest coordinator, I encourage area residents to please support our fine list of sponsors. Truly, their success makes our success possible. Our most sincere thank you to the following: Phil Aleo, Classic Cinemas - Cinema 12, Dairy Queen, Denny's Restaurant, Diamond Jim's Gas Grill, Dundee Landscape and Nursery, Jewel Food Store, Liberty Lanes, Manor Restaurant, Old Country Buffet, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, One Cut Above The Rest, Piece-A-Cake Bakery and Red Lobster.

Finally, the entire Dundee Township Visitors Center board of directors gratefully acknowledges this year's participating market vendors and customers. We also want to express our heartfelt thanks to our very own first-place winner, June Boeckh. With her as our coordinator, we feel all other markets are simply runners-up.

Bill Zelsdorf, member

Board of directors

Dundee Township

Visitors Center

East Dundee