Knupper Nursery in Palatine hosts Veggie Fair

Knupper Nursery in Palatine will host its first Veggie Fair 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at 1801 N. Rand Road.

The free event will include seminars and demonstrations, a vegetable contest and a pie-eating contest.

Ÿ 10 a.m. — Water Bath Canning Demonstration by Kirstin Larson

Do you have more fruits and vegetables than you can eat? Let Larson show you how to preserve your tomatoes so you can enjoy them all winter long. She will also be discussing making jams and jellies.

Ÿ 11 a.m. — Decorating Gourds for Fall by Paula Farrell

From selecting fun shapes and sizes, to preparing and cleaning (or not cleaning) and how to turn them into lovely decorations for your home, you’ll learn everything there is to know about this fun fall vegetable.

Ÿ 12 p.m. — Seasonal Cooking Demo. by Dave’s Specialty Foods

Chef and owner Dave Esau of Dave’s Specialty Foods in Mount Prospect will amaze you with his culinary skills and wit as he prepares a tasty recipe using seasonal ingredients for all to try. He has a website at davesspecialtyfoods.com.

Ÿ 1 p.m. — Community Gardens Seminar by Mike Nowak

Join Mike Nowak as he talks about his experience creating a community garden in his Logan Square neighborhood and advice on how to start a garden in your neighborhood. He has a website at mikenowak.net.

Ÿ 2:30 p.m. — Pie-eating Contest

Contestants will be competing to finish their pie the fastest (without using their hands). The contest is limited to ages 15 and up. There is no charge, but preregistration is required and there are a limited number of spaces. You may register at the store or call (847) 359-1080.

Ÿ 2:45 p.m. — Veggie Contest Judging

Submit your homegrown vegetables. Ribbons and prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories. Drop off all entries by 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24. Judging categories are:

Ÿ Most Uncommon Vegetable

Ÿ Heaviest Tomato

Ÿ Ugliest Tomato

Ÿ Heaviest Zucchini

Ÿ Prettiest Multicolored Pepper

Ÿ Potato Pageant

The Potato Pageant is a costume contest for potatoes. You don’t have to grow the potato, just dress him/her. They can be superheroes, animals, cartoon characters or whatever you can imagine them to be. This contest is open to all ages.

For information, contact Rick Haering, (847) 359-1080, rick@knuppernursery.com or go to KnupperNursery.com.