Cider Fest's apple bake-off features return of commercial category
Is grandma's cinnamon apple pie recipe melt-in-your-mouth marvelous? Do your apple bars take the cake? Now you have a chance to prove it.
As part of the 42nd annual Cider Fest on Sunday, Oct. 6, the McHenry County Historical Society is hosting its sixth annual Apple Bake-off Contest.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. with judging following at 10:30 a.m. in the 1895 West Harmony School. The school is on the museum grounds at 6422 Main St. in Union.
Categories are apple pies, apple cakes and apple squares/bars. There is a $2 fee per item, one entry per category.
First-, second- and third-place contestants in each of the three categories will receive ribbons, with a special prize going to the grand champion.
In addition to an amateur category, professional pie bakers are invited to enter an apple pie in second annual "Apple of My Eye" contest. The winner receives a trophy, with the runner-up and third-place entrees earning ribbons. All baked goods entered should be in disposable containers or dishes marked with the contestant's name and phone number for pickup after judging. Entries will be divided and repackaged for sale that day. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit historical society. For information, visit mchenrycountyhistory.org or call (815) 923-2267.
In addition, they are seeking donations for its popular "white elephant" sale during this year's festival.
The Oct. 6 sale has become a much-anticipated and pivotal part of the McHenry County Historical Society's fundraising effort. Items range from vintage clothing perfect for Halloween costumes; board games, mannequins, furniture, new and vintage books, glassware, seasonal merchandise, sporting equipment and tables of odds and ends you'll not find anywhere else.
This year's sale runs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Schuette Building, next door to the museum. No early birds. Sales are with checks and cash only.
Donations may be dropped off through Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the historical society museum, 6422 Main St., during regular business hours: 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. No broken or soiled items, or items that have been recalled or contain hazardous materials will be accepted. Large appliances, antiquated computers and electronic items, VHS tapes, medical supplies and such child items as cribs, car seats and used stuffed animals will not be accepted. The society also reserves the right to reject items because of duplication, condition or disposal costs.
Your tax-deductible donations will contribute to funding its programs and operations. For information, call (815) 923-2267.