Jefferson Community Day, organized by the Town Land Planning Committee, will be held Sat., Aug. 20, on the lawn outside the town office on Washington Street.
Last year, there was no Jefferson Community Day, due to a lack of volunteers to organize the event. In lieu of Community Day, the Bunker Hill Ladies’ Aid Society of Jefferson held a flea market and craft fair.
This year’s renewed celebration will feature a variety of events and activities, including a 5k road race at 7 a.m., booths from local organizations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and lots of kids events, such as spoon and sack races. There will also be music throughout the day, including a Celtic band.
Although there will not be a parade, there will be a barbecue, a silent auction and a pie-making contest. The Grange will display their historic hand-painted stage curtains for which they’re raising money to restore, and residents will be able to tour the new Jefferson Village School.
Entries to the pie-making contest, hosted by the Willow Grange, will be accepted at the Grange Hall on Washington Street on Aug. 20 between 8 and 9:30 a.m.
The Grange is also hosting perhaps the strangest aspect of this year’s festivities: a “Veggie Folks” competition between 8 and 9:30 a.m. on the lawn of the town office.
The Grange, in an email to The Lincoln County News, offered the following explanation of what a Veggie Folk is: “Think of the most inventive Halloween Jack O’Lantern you’ve seen, then picture it made with an eggplant or zucchini – or even a watermelon – instead of a pumpkin,” they wrote. “Entries may include one or more figures and may use other components (paint, clay, sequins, glitter, felt, buttons, googly eyes, etc.), as long as the major body structure is made of vegetable(s).”
The competition will be open to all and entries will be accepted the day of Jefferson Community Day. “Spare parts and adhesive will be on hand, in case any Veggie Folks require first aid or enhancement on arrival,” the grange wrote.
For more information on the pie-making contest, the Veggie Folks competition, or any other aspect of Jefferson Community Day, please call Joan Jackson at 549-5619.
The organizers also offered this suggestion for an activity involving Veggie Folks who have outlived their ability to compete:
• 6 cups mixed vegetables, roughly chopped into pieces the size of walnuts
• 1 can tomato paste and one can of water
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions:
1. Mix the first three ingredients together in a crock-pot and cook on low setting for 8 hours.
2. Before serving, adjust to taste with salt and pepper. Serve over rice or noodles. Top with grated cheese, if desired.
