The community of Hudson has invited folks to Ham N Jam, community picnics, and to Ride with the Chicken. Now the small community is hoping folks will turn up from 1-4 p.m., Nov. 8, for their First Annual Hudson Turnip Festival.
The first annual event will take turnip lovers and turnip novices from the field to the table with the Gatherin’ of the turnips and cook-off contests, and even explore the artsy side of turnips with the Mr. Turnip Head decorating contest and open mic night poet’s corner.
Marion always wanted to have a turnip festival so this year we decided to start one,” said Barb Alpers, one of the event organizers.
In Gatherin’ of the turnips, at 1 p.m., contestants have five minutes to fill a 25-pound sack with as many turnips as possible. The winner is decided by the weight of the heaviest sack. There are five different age groups, with five winners in each group. There is also a separate award for the heaviest single turnip. Contestants are welcome to take the turnips they gather if they like. The contest will take place at the turnip patch west of Hudson.
In the turnip cook off contest, turnips baked, boiled, broiled, mashed, relished, marinated, sautéed, can be entered into the contest. There is no limit on the entries. Recipes are required. The turnip entry can be made ahead of time or made at the Community Hall. There will be a first, second, third and people’s choice awarded. Registration will be at 2:00 p.m. judging of the turnip entries are at 2:30 p.m., at the Hudson Community Hall.
At 2 p.m. contestants can express their artistic side while decorating their own Mr. Turnip Head. There will be awards for first – third place. Contestants must supply their own turnip accessories.
Open Mic, at 3 p.m., will award first – third place for poets reciting their original work. Poems must be at least four lines long and contain the word turnip, or turn up. Sampling of the turnip recipes will be in conjunction with the poet’s corner.
The First Annual Hudson Turnip Festival will also crown a 2009Turnip King by a penny-a-vote poll now through Nov. 8. Candidates are, Marion Alpers, Darrell Bauer and Wade Russell. Candidate jars located at UMB Bank, Stafford County Flour Mill, Wheatland Café, and St. John News.
For more information on the festival contact any of the Turnip King contestants.
