Tiny yellow heralder of spring, the humble dandelion, is focus of 20th annual Breitenbach Dandelion Fest
by Jennifer Kneuss
May 8, 2013
364
Summary: Everything dandelion was the theme of the 20th annual Breitenbach Dandelion Festival, with contests, entertainment, and pure fun for all ages, all based around the little yellow flower springing up everywhere.
Heather Dummermuth of Concord, OH has been attempting to present a grand prize winning dish for the 20th annual Breitenbach Dandelion Fest Great Dandelion Cook-Off contest for at least six years or more.
Once I came close, and got second place, commented a very excited Dummermuth, upon being announced as the 2013 winner for her Greek style Dandelion Stuffed Steak with Dandelion and Feta Mashed Potatoes entry. The grand prize winner said she is a stay at home mom, who happens to love to cook and experiment with different recipes.
Heather has been known to submit several different recipes each year for consideration to be entered, said Miranda Fortney, who organizes the cooking
Cheryl Cohen of Taste of Home Cooking School, Sherry Schie of Shy Cellars Restaurant, and local media representatives Lee Elliott, Beverly Keller, Amy Smith, and the Bargain Hunters Jennifer Kneuss all served as judges for the May 4 event, part of a two day festival. Im just one of the judges because well I guess just because I like to eat! joked new judge Matt Beres to the crowd, admitting he influenced friends Anita Davis and Jennifer Kohler to allow him to help judge the delectable goodies. The women operate Breitenbach Winery along with their parents, Duke and Cynthia Bichsel.
Second place in the contest went to Dawn Vacco from East Canton, OH for her Dandelion Cake with Dandelion Wine and Cream Cheese Frosting, and third was Jona Scott from Port Washington, OH with her Dandy Chocolate Cake. Recipes were judged for taste, originality, and also for their use of dandelions.
The youngest dandelion aficionados also enjoyed dandelion themed activities. Joseph Ceroni, 11, of Uniontown picked 243 of the yellow flowers during the picking contest, while others took awards for smallest, widest, and tallest dandelions found. Three year old Adelay Spence of Orville was at the festival with her grandparents, Eloise and Scott Spence. The couple watched as Adelay alternated between picking the flowers and enjoying rolling down the steep hills surrounding the amphitheatre stage, giving no regard to the grass stains accumulating on her sunny yellow dress and white tights.
This is our very first time at this festival, and we are truly impressed, said Scott Spence. We could hardly believe that this was completely free to attend. What a wonderful, fun event for the whole family. Well be back.
The Jason and Caitlin Kabbara family of Canton were delightedly digging into samples from the cooking contest, held in the Toolshed area of the facility. Their children, Jack and Tucker, eagerly accepted bite sized tastes from their parents.
We are enjoying being in this beautiful area, commented Jason. We like to find unique family oriented festivals around where we can go with our children, and this is a favorite for us. He noted that he and his family intend to return to the area in the future and explore other attractions the Tuscarawas Valley has to offer.
The sunny but cool weather provided the perfect conditions for the 5K Dandelion May Run on Saturday morning. All profits from the Run went to support the Pathway to Wellness Recovery House in New Philadelphia. The fastest runner of the day, Steve Neading, finished as first overall male with a time of 18:24. First overall female was Regina Neugebauer and her time of 22:37. Other females placing first in their respective age categories were Kendra Saffell, Kendra Garrett, Emily Nussbaum, Julia Fiorentino, and Marilyn Lyster. Males winning their age categories were Damian Clum, Adam Simers, Kris Kreinbihl, Bob Floor, Mike Gintz, and Glenn Gailey.
It has been a stunning weekend, noted Davis. We have had a marvelous weekend, and are so glad for everyone who turned out to celebrate the humble dandelion with us.
