Harvest Days’ new contests attract local competitors

HONESDALE, PA — This year’s Harvest & Heritage Days included several new contests that scored a big success for the festival.

The Greater Honesdale Partnership challenged local restaurants and amateur chefs to a Wing Taste-Off, co-sponsored by Rent-E-Quip, on October 8. The first place winner for the Most Flavorful Wings went to the Crossroads located in Waymart for their “X-tra Hot” wings. First place in the Hottest Wings category again went to the Crossroads for their “X-tra Hot” wings. The peoples choice award was taken by the Crossroads for their “Hot Garlic” wings.

On October 2, the first annual Corn Shucking Contest, co-sponsored by Bunting’s Dairy Farm was held under the Fred Miller Pavilion. After the husks were done flying, the trophy for first place went to Scott Rickard and the second place trophy was won by Marty Hedgelen.

Businesses in Honesdale participated in a pumpkin carving and decorating contest. Pumpkins were purchased from the 4-H clubs that participated in the Pumpkin Fest held at the library on Saturday, October 1. The winners were Glinsky’s Kitchen Capers, Cutest; Mary Beth Bridals, Most Creative; and Cover Your World Flooring, Scariest.

The first annual Chili Taste-Off, co-sponsored by Bethany Village was rained out on Saturday the 8, but successfully held on Sunday, October 9. The first-place winner for Most Flavorful in the professional division went to JJ Macks of Honesdale for their “Chuck Wagon” chili, while the second-place trophy went to the Honesdale Golf Club, also located in Honesdale, for their “Santa Fe Turkey” chili. Mr. Arthur Paperman of Paupack took first place in the amateurs division with his “Artie’s Southwest Buffalo” chili.

Mid-day Sunday, the Greater Honesdale Partnership held its first ever Hot Dog Eating Contest, co-sponsored by HonesDeli, located on West Park Street. Under the watchful eyes of judges Tim Meagher of RE/MAX of Wayne County, located in Honesdale and Honesdale Mayor Michael O’Day, contestants vied to see who could eat the most hot dogs in ten minutes. The winner, and the man to beat next year, was Thomas Boyle of Honesdale, who devoured a total of 10 dogs. He was followed closely by AJ McCloskey of Cover Your World Flooring, also in Honesdale, who finished a total of 8 dogs.