Big Pumpkin Contest and much more September 27

The Big Pumpkin Contest, which had its area debut last fall at the Allamakee County Fairgrounds in Waukon, has been scheduled for September 27 of this year. A new addition to this year's event will be pumpkin decorating and carving contests.
The Big Pumpkin Contest will get its start 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 1 p.m. awards ceremony. In addition to the biggest pumpkin, honors will also 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 27. 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 of $2 per pumpkin, with prizes to be determined.
Back by popular demand following last year's inaugural event, the two cooking contests will also be held again this year.
The Big Pumpkin Bake-Off contest will be available for anyone to participate in. Of course, 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 25 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 September 22 and can be sent to Pam Benjegerdes at 706 Allamakee Street in Waukon or phoned in at (563)568-7202. 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 to culminate the event. The meal costs $5 and will consist of pork, potatoes, vegetable and a pumpkin dessert.
For more information about the September 27 event, contact Danny Schlitter at the Waukon Chamber of Commerce Office, (563)568-4110, Adam Quandahl at (563)568-7230 or Gary Whittle at (563)379-3767.