TD Farmers Market's Grand Harvest Celebration: A Pumpkin Extravaganza on Oct. 14
The Dalles, OR. October 13, 2023 – The embrace of autumn is upon us, and what better way to savor the season than by joining The Dalles Farmers Market for their highly anticipated "Harvest Festival."
It will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at City Park, 5th & Union streets. The park will be transformed into a vibrant hub of fall festivity and culinary creativity.
The heart of the event is the "All Things Pumpkin" Dessert Contest, a feast for the senses and a culinary adventure that promises to leave taste buds tingling with delight. Whether you're a passionate baker or a dessert enthusiast, this contest beckons with a wide array of categories, including cakes, cupcakes, muffins, tarts, pastries, pies, cobblers, crisps, bar cookies, drop cookies, no-bake cookies, and an assortment of pumpkin-based creations, from puddings and custards to cheesecakes, mousse, ice cream, and even candies.
To enter, contestants must ensure that their desserts are steeped in the essence of autumn, containing a minimum of 4 cups of pumpkin in various forms, be it puree, juice, or fresh pumpkin. Entries should be submitted by 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.
The organizers passionately recommend that all desserts be lovingly crafted from scratch, employing natural, wholesome ingredients wherever possible. In a thoughtful nod to individuals with food allergies, participants are required to detail the ingredients on a 3x5 card, which should also carry the name and contact information of the talented baker. Ensuring an enriching experience for the judges, desserts should be sized to serve 4-6 people, thus providing a sumptuous tasting adventure.
At 10:15 a.m., a panel of no fewer than three judges will embark on their delicious journey, meticulously appraising the entries against several criteria.
Moreover, the Harvest Festival isn't just about the Dessert Contest. It's an immersive experience that extends its arms to embrace costume participants, live music, and the vibrant ambiance of City Park. As the sun dips below the horizon, the festival presents a heartfelt and memorable farewell to the Farmer’s Market season.
