(PHOTOS BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
LIVE MUSIC … Live music was provided by Northern Roots.
PIE WINNER … Taryn Downing took home 1st place in the pumpkin pie and 2nd place in the pecan pie baking competition.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The 3rd annual Fayette Fall Fest kicked off on a drizzly Saturday morning, around 11 am. Several vendors lined the sides of main street. Vendors included many homemade crafts, 3D printed items, homemade soaps and several sweet treats for purchase.
There were several food options available. Restaurants such as One More Bar and Grill and Freddy’s were running specials. Attendees could sample the Chili Cook Off entries, including Tio Rey’s, Fire in the Hole, and Brisket Bomb chili.
Bull Thistle Arts provided hot dogs, popcorn, soft pretzels, and drinks all for a free will donation.
At the one end of main street in the fire station was hosting a Chicken BBQ. At the other end was walking tacos, quesadillas and nachos provided by Helping Hands for a free will donation.
Myrtle Mansion Ministries set up a large game area for kids to enjoy. Kids could choose from several different games and activities including connect four, pumpkin tic tac toe, pumpkin toss or fishing from a small pool.
There was also a chalk drawing area and a special board to write down any prayer request. A tent was set up to represent Sukkah and anyone visiting would get to learn about the Jewish tradition.
The Myrtle Mansion Ministry is raising funds to remodel a house to use for a women’s shelter, which is currently in need of a new roof and siding before remodeling the interior.
The car show took place on North Fayette Street, directly beside the Opera House. Participants not only brought out unique cars but also accessories which included a VW Bug full of mini VW figurines and a car with a skeleton passenger and dog. Between the car show and Opera House, Northern Roots provided free live music in the gazebo.
Inside the Opera house was the Pie baking competition. Each participant was required to provide two pies. There were three flavor categories: pecan, pumpkin, and apple. Unfortunately there were no apple participants this year, but four pecan and one pumpkin pie were entered.
The pie judging began at 1 pm with judges Mayor Dave Borer, Officer David Schweinhagen and Assistant Police Chief Bill McConnell.
When asked by a spectator of their qualifications Officer McConnell explained he was a veteran as this was his second-year judging and Office Schweinhagen stated that his grandmother used to be the pie maker for IGA in Archbold so he had a long pie eating history.
The judges were tasked with assessing the pie in five categories: overall appearance, filling including flavor, doneness, moistness and consistency, creativity, crust including flavor, doneness, texture and color, and overall taste. Each category would be given a 1-10 rating, with 50 being a perfect score.
The winners were announced shortly after with Laurie Naveau taking the number one spot for pecan, Taryn Downing came in second. Taryn Downing also was one and only in the Pumpkin Pie contest.
Each first and second place winner received an engraved rolling pin. All other participants received a gift bag filled with kitchen utensils. Once the pies were judged, guests were invited in to sample the pie for themselves.