Blueberry Festival

 Last weekend was the annual Blueberry Festival, which includes the Relay For Life fundraiser.  There wasn't much festival really, as far as booths or street fair or anything like that.  There was a chili cook-off, a blueberry dessert contest, a fun run that I didn't get to participate in because I had my own festival of toilet cleaning going on and then a dinner and a breakfast here and there.  Nonetheless, it was fun and we raised some money for the American Cancer Society with a yard sale at Young's Bay.  There was a bake sale at the other end of the Angle, and I'm not sure what else people had going on. I have a few ideas up my sleeve for next year.  I love a little fundraiser and bringing in the cash, especially with a cause so close to my heart.  

 Big Rick and me in our fancy shirts.  I told him he had to smile for this picture and this is how it turned out.  Hello, charming and witty daughter-in-law standing there.  What's not to smile about?  Don't answer that.

 He got to wear the purple shirt because is a survivor of 2 cancers.  Minor perk for such a battle.

 I entered the big chili cook-off hosted by Jenny.  There were 8 entries (I think?) and people bought a cup for $5 which benefited the Chamber of Commerce.  Then they went down the line and tasted all the chilies and voted for their favorite.  There was a great turnout.  There were also beer and brats for sale right next to us.  Minnesota loves its booze and I'm sure there was no shortage of funds at that booth.

 Our campers, Joe and Rhona, trying to keep their secret ingredients secret.  She is cooking in a big roaster behind him on the picnic table.  She threw in some fancy appetizers to go with her chili and I was concerned.  I didn't know we could have tantalizing treats to sweeten the pot.  Never underestimate a Canadian from Scotland.

 Here is my little set-up, third place!!!!  Won me some cash.  It was a heated race and I made it in the top 3 by one vote.

 Grammy Nancy's Utica Chili took first place.  It really was delicious too.  I've said it before, she is a fantastic cook.  I don't know why I don't show up there, unannounced, at dinnertime more often.

 My short-term assistant with his apron on.  He stirred the pot twice and left with his dad.  Not enough excitement for him.

 We also sold Luminaries to raise money.  A white bag with the name of your loved one, who had or has cancer, that went outside with a candle in them.  I was the only one that decorated mine.  Too much time on my hands I guess.  But I couldn't just write my mom's name on a bag and not give it a little effort.  Way too soon for that.

 We  lined the front of the store porch with them.  Dark is way past my bedtime, so I didn't get any good pictures.  A few resorts put them out and then people are able to take a boat ride, with the full moon, and see them all from the water.  Next year I'm going all out and selling a ton so we can light this place up.  What a pretty way to honor cancer victims, kind of like a little memorial.  There was a little speech on the radio as the sun was going down. I admit I had a hard time not shedding a tear over it, but Brian was there and he gets all uncomfortable and twitchy in situations like that.  

Hooray for fighting cancer!