With Freedom Fest '22 right around the corner, I have decided that I'm going to step out of my comfort zone and enter the pie contest. Mind you, this will be my first baking contest ever, and I'm not quite sure why I am doing it. I do know, however, that I am not counting on leaving Gaines County Park with a check. It, at least for me, is all in fun.
In October, my husband and I were judges at Blumenflor's Oktober-fest, and I was blown away by the quality of pies, pastries, jams, and preserves. Those contestants meant serious business, and there weren't even any cash prizes, just bragging rights and a ribbon, I believe. Either way, I had never sampled so many apple pies, strudels, and other homemade delicacies in my entire life. As much as I love desserts, even I was on overload.
Recently, I've looked at amazing recipes and worried about what could go wrong. I would hate to submit something that makes the judges sick or, even worse, gag. I couldn't help but remember the first time I cooked fried chicken for my son's dad, Larry. We were newly married, and I was aiming for perfection. When I took the bird out of the pan, it was probably the prettiest fried chicken I had ever seen. The crust was a crispy golden brown, and I was excited to serve it. However, I had forgotten one thing. The recipe had said nothing about letting it thaw.
My award-winning chicken was almost entirely frozen, but it was still beautiful.
I'll admit, I'm not exactly the best at following recipes. I like to throw in an extra dash of this and a smidgen of that. If a tablespoon of sugar works magic, imagine how much better two would be. I'm sure you get the picture. Just this once, however, I will be forced to follow a recipe to the letter. On Saturday, my pride will be on the line.
A slew of contests are scheduled for the upcoming fest, and if you haven't done so already, you had better get your entry forms in to the Seminole Sentinel or register online. Big prizes are at stake in the art contest, ice cream freeze-off, and pie contests. First place in each competition is $150, second place is $100, and third place winners will receive $50. There is a coloring contest for all ages as well.
I recall a contest one 4th of July about 40 years ago at the Woodlands in Houston, TX, where they had a legs contest. I signed up Larry for the competition, and he stood in line with the other guys, prepared to strut across the stage. When the men were finished, the judges awarded prizes in various categories such as hairiest legs, sexiest legs, most muscular, best-tanned legs, and, unfortunately for Larry, the most knock-kneed. He would never have noticed this flaw had I not entered him in that contest. He was not thrilled. We also entered a canoe contest that afternoon but got into a significant argument because we kept going around in circles.
Unless you have been under a rock for the last couple of weeks, you already know that the festival on July 2 will have something for everyone. Additional contests, competitions, and scheduled games include a Little Mr. and Little Miss Freedom Fest Pageant, a kiddie parade, a volleyball tourney, a cornhole tournament, a scavenger hunt, and bingo. Saturday's bingo will be real bingo, not the animal kind. I'll admit that viewing last year's cow patty bingo was a new experience for this gal from Louisiana. I will stick with daubers.
Aside from contests and games, this year's fest will feature five guys, all polished musicians, performing together for the first time. Whether they go by Twisted Still (which they are) or Twisted Steel, these guys have over 100 years of experience between them and promise to have a little something musically for everyone. I'll admit that I can't help but be excited to hear one of the members who is also a Louisiana native. Mike Dufour and I grew up about 50 miles from each other and many years apart. But, he has played with many Louisiana blues and jazz classics and even just the sound of his voice reminds me of home.
The Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and members have outdone themselves this year and if you see one running around like crazy, and wearing a red festival shirt, tell them, "Thank you." Talk is that next year, and each year after will continue to get bigger and better.
Many of us remember when the Fourth of July was a major patriotic event, not just a time to sing, dance, and visit with our friends and neighbors but also a time of pride. Hopefully, as we mingle, eat, laugh, and enjoy the fireworks display, we'll be reminded of those who fought for the privileges we have today.
We live in the land of the free and the brave. I think that's worth celebrating, and maybe even the perfect time to bake a pie.
