Highwood's first Redhead Days a success
Redheads from across the country gathered together June 6 and 7 for the inaugural Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate, and it was a weekend to remember.
Redhead Days is a festival originating in Breda, Holland, that seeks to unite the global redheaded community through three core values of bonding, pride and recognition. The event was a huge success, with more than 2,500 people in attendance for the weekend.
Jim Stoecker, owner of Alex's Washington Gardens, "honorary redhead" and event organizer, gathered as many redheads as possible Sunday, June 7, for a group photo in an attempt to break the world record for most redheads in a photo set at the original Redhead Days in Breda.
"While we did not quite break the record, we had a great time trying, especially for a first run at it," said Stoecker, who is looking forward to next year's fest.
While morning rain may have been a deterrent, the official group photo had more than 750 redheads pictured. The overhead photo portrays the massive crowd of redheads in attendance from around the country, including Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Mesa, Arizona.
The current record for most redheads in a photo is 1,672, so Highwood is well positioned for a second attempt to break the record in 2016.
One of the most exciting parts of the festival happened Saturday with the Carrot Cake Throwdown. A panel of independent judges tasted 12 carrot cake entries from across the Chicago area.
Top bakeries put their heart and soul into creating carrot cakes and cupcakes specifically for Redhead Days Chicago Affiliate. Judges scored the cakes on appearance, taste, texture and frosting.
The bakeries that competed included Nothing Bundt Cakes, Whole Foods Market, Real Urban Barbeque, Baker Boys Bakery, A La Carte, Sunset Foods, Taste on Chestnut, Alex's Washington Gardens, Jolly Good Fellows, Leonard's Bakery and Heinen's.
In third place overall was A La Carte from Highland Park; second place was Baker Boys, also from Highland Park, with their cupcakes; and the first place overall winner went to Nothing Bundt Cakes from Skokie.
The highest score in appearance went to Taste on Chestnut, highest score in texture and taste went to Baker Boys and best frosting went to Nothing Bundt Cakes.
"Everyone enjoyed this gathering of redheads. Being a minority, it is sometimes difficult growing up with red hair, but it is nice to know that you are not alone. While we didn't break the record for most redheads pictured in a single photo this year, we have high hopes for next year," Stoecker said.
To stay up to date with the latest news on Redhead Days in Highwood, like www.facebook.com/RHDchicago or visit www.redheaddays.nl.
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