[CH] And speaking of hot lucks....
Jim (jim@wildpepper.com)
Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:49:27 -0400
14th Annual Hot Luck and Fiery Foods Exhibition Scheduled at Thomas
Family Winery in Madison, Indiana April 9th & 10th
The Annual Hot Luck and Fiery Foods Exhibition is beginning a yearlong
growth spurt with several new vendors signed up for the 14th annual
event at the Thomas Family Winery in Madison, Indiana.
"This will be a period of great growth and change for the Hot Luck
Exhibition," said Thomas Family Winery Co- proprietor Steve Thomas.
"Outdoors is our key word because this will be the first year people
can buy pepper plants to take home to plant in their gardens. It will
also be the last year we will hold the festival inside."
Winery proprietors Steve and Elizabeth Thomas have worked for several
years to acquire the large lot adjacent to the winery.
"Our wish is now a reality that will give us a snazzy, three-season,
outdoor event facility," Thomas added. "This gives us the potential to
greatly enhance our events. It will be our first step in building Hot
Luck and Fiery Foods into a much larger festival that will take
advantage of our expanded space as we grow into the adjacent property."
Vendors at the Fiery Foods Exhibition like the Mild to Wild Company
have always offered a wide variety of sauces and seasonings. This
year, the new vendors are expanding the types of products offered.
Caterers Gary and Susan Duckworth are well known in the Madison area
for delicious salsas and barbecue sauces, but also for hosting elegant
receptions. They are part of the driving force to re-create the
Madison Farmer's Market. Their efforts brought street musicians and an
open-air breakfast to the event.
Kenny's Farm House Cheeses will also be at the expo.
"He makes brilliant classic cheeses," said Thomas. "He is also willing
to step out and take chances with new cheeses like jalapeno and
habanero."
Chili heads from seven states kick off the Hot Luck and Fiery
Foods Exhibition with a "hot-luck" dinner on Friday night. Both
vendors and guests bring mild to hot foods from several nation
cuisines. However, it is the chance to win the "Sombrero Grande" in
Saturday's amateur salsa contest that draws the most attention.
"Last year, we had 24 excellent salsas entered," bragged Thomas.
"There were many brilliant off-the-wall salsas such as a Moorish
Almond Salsa done in a Spanish style. It featured almonds, olive oil,
crushed garlic and finely ground green olives and red peppers. Man,
that was good!"
Jerry Adkins of Indianapolis suffered years of hiatus after winning so
many awards that he was forced to be a judge.
"He begged to be able to enter again," said Thomas. "He is now back in
the contest, so that raises the bar for the other competitors. A more
recent frequent winner, John Sheckler of Scott County, is now banned
from the contest and will serve as a judge."
Music is also a big part of Hot Luck and Fiery Foods Exhibition.
"Folk music duo Greg Ziesemer and Kriss Luckett are frequent
performers at the winery, but also have a popular following in
Indianapolis," said Thomas. "Their participation as Saturday night
performers for Hot Luck and Fiery Foods gives us another opportunity
to increase the visitors from Indianapolis. This is another way we are
working to make this a truly regional event."
The 14th annual Hot Luck and Fiery Foods Exhibition will be held on
Friday and Saturday, April 9 & 10, at the Thomas Family Winery is
located at 208 East Second Street in Historic Downtown Madison, Indiana.
The event features assorted vendors of chili products. Guests can
sample salsas, sauces, purchase dried and fresh spices, hot breads,
chili powder, vinegars and pepper plants. Saturday Hours are from 12
Noon until 7:00 p.m., however the winery will remain open until at
least 10:00 p.m.
Entries in the homemade salsa contest need to be received by
1:00 pm on Saturday. The category awards of "Most Innovative," "Most
Traditional," and "Best Overall" will be awarded. The coveted
"Sombrero Grande" will be presented to the grand prize winner around
5:00 pm. Prizes are guaranteed to be wacky.
For more information, call 812-273-3755, or 800- 948-8466. For more
information about the winery, visit the website at http://www.thomasfamilywinery.us
or on Facebook!
-Jim C
http://www.StepUpforCharity.org