Three day event showcases downtown New Philadelphia

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • July 29, 2012
  • 354
                        
Summary: A combination of super sales, entertainment and delicious and in some cases, unusual food made the New Philadelphia Business and Community Association’s 58th annual sidewalk sale a huge success for merchants and visitors to the historic region that specializes in family-owned businesses. What do deer, moose and squirrel have in common? Sure, they’re all wild animals but they also were the main ingredients in the Critter Cook-Off held Saturday in downtown New Philadelphia as a part of the New Philadelphia Business and Community Association’s 58th annual sidewalk sale, Ohio’s longest running sales promotion. While a far cry from the traditional tastes of summer that generally include burgers and beef steaks grilled to perfection, the Critter Cook-off celebrated the wild side of cooking and featured three area contestant’s recipes that included a venison dish that left the judges unimpressed, a moose Trail-style bologna that was worth writing home about and a squirrel and hot pepper concoction that took home the first place trophy. Fred Neff of New Philadelphia created the winning dish that utilized fox squirrel meat sourced locally from the finest beasts ever to scamper in and amongst the trees of Warren Township, hot peppers and garlic from his own backyard garden and a par-boil method that included onion that allowed the meat to remain tender and delicious while it slow roasted in its own juices prior to the judging. A mistake that took place prior to judging allowed Neff’s squirrel and hot pepper dish to get tasted in the first place. Critter Cook-off judges Joy Dawson, a local cooking connoisseur, New Philadelphia Business and Community Association Director Diane Lautenschlager and Cindy Mutersbaugh of downtown hotspot Gavin’s thought they tasted a rabbit dish when instead they were sampling the squirrel. “I would have never tried it had I known it was squirrel,” said Lautenschlager. “Our own pre-conceived notions prevent us from trying anything new and I am guilty. Moments ago I was describing it as a dish worthy of being served in a fine restaurant because it was so delicious.” Visitors to the sidewalk sale that included downtown businesses as well as out-of-towners setting up shop for the three day event were treated to a host of activities including a children’s party on the square complete with a bubble gum blowing contest and an ice cream eating contest sponsored by New Philadelphia based Miller’s Creamery. “Parents made the children’s party a destination and it was our most well-attended event,” said Lautenschlager. “The whole weekend has been excellent. People are coming downtown and taking advantage of all the merchants have to offer. The spirit of community is so apparent and because of the leadership our association lends to the area businesses we can give them a voice.” Rob McCulloch of Robert’s Men’s Store, an anchor to the downtown business community since 1973, manned the shop while owner and event chairperson Mike Ley took to the streets to check in on various scheduled events throughout the downtown area. “Business has been good and the unpredictable weather hasn’t kept customers away,” said McCulloch. “We have seen large crowds and everyone is enjoying the entertainment and sales.” Sales were definitely on the minds of shoppers from all over the region that carried packages home from retailers offering the deepest discounts of the year. From jewelry specials at Cinzia to $10 sports coats at Robert’s, customers were also treated to delicious food from new kid on the block Philadeli proving to be a mainstay in a community that demands quality and service, all of which are coming from the unique eatery that specializes in roast beef sandwiches with an east coast flair. Vendor guests Stutzman’s Lawn and Garden Center of New Philadelphia and Sweetwater Farms of Sugarcreek proved themselves vital components to the downtown area that doesn’t have a permanent retailer that caters to the agricultural crowd. Lauren McKenzie, freelance photographer, tested the waters and was pleasantly surprised at how well the part-time photography business she conducts between semesters at Bowling Green State University was received by the visitors to the annual sidewalk sale. “It is my first time at the sale and I couldn’t be more pleased with the event,” said McKenzie. The New Philadelphia Business and Community Association invite the public to their next event that celebrates the creative and entrepreneurial people who are the heart and soul of the region at the Merchant and Artist Walk on August 11.


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