McHenry County Heritage Fair features bakeoff, vintage sale
The McHenry County Historical Society & Museum marks its 60th year with its 36th annual Heritage Fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 9, at the museum, 6422 Main St. in Union. Highlights will include a car show, plant sale, bake sale, treasure chest sale, children's activities and games.
The day also features free admission to the museum, 1895 West Harmony School, and 1843 Gannon log cabin. In addition, a master gardener docent in period costume will be available to answer questions about the Pioneer Garden planted and maintained by the University of Illinois Extension. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from vendors.
Bakers are needed for the annual contest, which will feature vintage family recipes in these categories: Pies, cakes, cookies/bars and breads/muffins. Bakers may register entries in the West Harmony School on the museum grounds between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. July 9. Judging follows. Baking contest winners, who will be announced immediately after judging, will receive ribbons in each category. There will be a special grand champion prize for the overall winner. All goods entered in the contest will be sold at the Heritage Fair bake sale with proceeds benefiting the McHenry County Historical Society.
The society is asking bakers to submit a recipe (printed or typed) with their entry this year. Also, please submit a brief description of the importance of the recipe to your family or the recipe's origin. A form is available on the society's website at GotHistory.org.
The story accompanying your recipe is an important component of the contest. The historical society may incorporate submission into a future cookbook or for another purpose.
Donated baked goods, such as cookies, cakes, quick breads, brownies, bars, tarts and pies are needed for the sale. Please label your baked goods, indicate nuts or other special instructions, and - if possible - prepackage them to minimize handling. A good rule of thumb, depending on size, is a half-dozen cookies and two to four brownies/bars on a plate. On fair day bring your items to the bake sale tent next to the log cabin, or to the office on the Friday before Heritage Fair.
Garden items, vintage clothing wanted
The society is also seeking donations of "shabby chic" garden items in need of a new home. Unique garden tools, wrought iron garden décor, watering troughs/cans, shepherd's hooks, wagons, wheelbarrows and birdhouses are welcome.
Items will be accepted through July 8 at the museum annex garage, 17618 Washington St., Union. To arrange a time to drop off the items, email Laurie Cisneros at lkcisneros58@gmail.com or call (815) 923-2267.
The Heritage Fair vintage clothing sale also is a popular destination for pre-1970s hats, purses and clothing to sell. Donated items should be clean and in good condition. No children's clothing, please. For questions or drop-off information, email Lynne Eltrevoog at LynneCatsmeow@aol.com
For details on the fair, visit GotHistory.org or email info@mchenrycountyhistory.org.