By Christina Gelder
Glad-Peach President Julie Pupedis was grateful as Coloma’s Glad-Peach Festival wrapped up last Sunday. She said they had beautiful weather, perfect temperatures and wonderful crowds. “The fireworks were fantastic” said Pupedis “there were a lot of people down here”. In addition to all of that there was plenty of good entertainment. All of the events seemed to go smoothly this year and overall it was a very successful festival. Pupedis credited the “great volunteers” for making it all come together. As the committee looks to next year they have already unveiled their special 50th Anniversary logo and will pick right up to start planning another wonderful year. Anyone who wants to get involved is more than welcome to join the fun. They typically hold meetings on the third Wednesday of the month at Coloma City Hall. There is much to be said for a community that comes together so well. From the volunteer board and committee members who work all year long, to the volunteers who help when needed, the many amazing sponsors as well as the residents and visitors who embrace the opportunity to enjoy the events. Everyone has a place at the Glad-Peach Festival.
The Glad-Peach welcomes back a car show
CAR SHOW…Jackie and Barney Hiler stand next to their 1967 Corvette after receiving the People’s Choice Award in the Glad-Peach Car Show last Sunday morning. (TCR photo by Christina Gelder)
Traditionally the Glad-Peach Festival has always had a car show in the downtown area on Sunday morning of the festival weekend. The last two years however they went a different direction and had a custom motorcycle show instead. This year, organizers John Rutz and John Dimas brought back the car show. They offered lunch to the owners of the cars and gave out freebies donated by Lane Automotive. Total they had 60 entries which made for a very nice show. Awards were also given out in various categories to the following participants: Troy Kablitz of Mattawan with a 1969 Dodge Super Bee; Bret Bachman of Benton Harbor with a 1966 Chevelle; Roland Yeske of Benton Harbor with a 1971 Nova SS; Steve Gagliano of Watervliet with a 1956 Bellaire; Jim Anstey with a 1939 Chevy Street Rod; Rolland Boyd with a 1969 Chevy C10 Pickup; Bob Lambrecht with a 1971 Chevy El Camino; People’s Choice Award went to Jackie and Barney Hiler of Watervliet with a 1967 Corvette
Chalk the Street at Glad-Peach
Bringing a little art to Coloma during the Glad-Peach Festival, Judi White organized the Chalk the Street event. This event allows anyone to try their hand at creating a masterpiece with the provided chalk on the street or sidewalk. Winners of this event were: Age 6 and under – Levi Pounders Honorable Mention – Hannah Madison Age 7-10 – Makayla Moore Honorable Mention – Kyra Krieger Age 11-14 – Allison Seger Honorable Mention – Toni Jacques Age 15-17 – Delaney Klitchman Age 18+ – Valerie Krieger
Peach Pit Spit results
The Peach Pit Spit, now there is an event that is unique to Coloma. This year’s contest was once again hosted by Mr. Coloma and his court. This year’s winners were: Kid’s 1st Place – James Malloy of Coloma Kid’s 2nd Place – Alex Zoschke of Coloma Kid’s 3rd Place – Kyra Krieger of Coloma Women’s 1st Place – Courtney Churchill of Coloma Women’s 2nd of Coloma Women’s 3rd Place – Alecia Kosek of New Lenox, IL Men’s 1st Place – 1st Runner-Up to Mr. Coloma Ethan Redman of Coloma Men’s 2nd Place – Kevin Kosek of New Lenox, IL Men’s 3rd Place – Anthony Puma of Coloma
Peach Dunk
As part of the Kid’s Games on Sunday morning of the Glad-Peach Festival children are able to enter the peach dunk contest. Much like bobbing for apples it is a race to see who can get the most peaches out of the water with their mouth. The fun event was followed by a magic show by John Dudley. Winners of the peach dunk were: Ages 3-5 was tied by Michael Wigent and Nolan Ashley Ages 6-8 1st Place: Ethan Schelling Ages 6-8 2nd Place: Payton Yeske Ages 9-11 1st Place: Anthony Reese Ages 9-11 2nd Place: Demitn Idinopulos Ages 12-14 1st Place: Heather Reese Ages 12-14 2nd Place: Madison Wood
WINNING WINDOW DISPLAY… Darlene Getz DDS and her staff won the Most Welcoming Award in the 2016 Glad-Peach Business Window Display contest last week.
Glad-Peach window display contest results
Every year in anticipation for the Glad-Peach Festival local business break out the window paint and go head-to-head to see who can be the most festive. The business window display contest gets everyone in the mood for the festival and draws the town together in a common theme. This year’s winners are: Best Interior – Cutting Corners; Best Exterior – Downtown Digits; Best Theme – Randy’s BP; Best Glad-Peach Display – Hometown Florist; Most Welcoming – Darlene Getz DDS; and Best of Show – The Friendly.
Glad-Peach Bake Fest results
WINNING BAKERS… Amy Podman and Jen Springer were both winners in this year’s Glad-Peach Bake Fest. As winner of Best of Show, Podman received a brand new Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer donated by Honor Credit Union. (TCR photo by Christina Gelder)
The Glad-Peach Bake Fest gives people the opportunity to display their mad baking skills and creativity. With three different categories the entries must be focused around peaches. This year’s winners are: Breads/muffins/coffee cakes – Brenda McCuan with Peach Cheese Roll; Cakes/cupcakes – Amy Podman with Peach Abundance Cake; Pies/pastries – Jen Springer with Peach Chiffon Pie; and winning Best of Show – Amy Podman with her Peach “Abuntance” cake. Recipe: 1 Box of French Vanilla or Yellow Cake Mix, 1 stick of melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 (20 oz.) can Peach Pie Filling, 1 small box of peach jello powder, 1 cup chopped walnuts and powdered sugar Pre-heat oven to 350. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into sprayed and flowered bundt pan. Bake for 1 hour or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool, remove from pan and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
Glad-Peach Pedal Tractor Pull
For several years John Demis has hosted a kid’s pedal tractor pull downtown on the Sunday of the Glad-Peach Festival. It has become a crowd pleaser and this year there were 29 entries. There are three weight classes based on the weight of the child. More weights are added to the back of the sled for the different classes. This year’s winners in class one were: 1st place, Michael Wigent; 2nd place, Navaeh Wilson; and 3rd place, Raeghan Prestidge. In class two the winners were: 1st place, Esme James; 2nd place, Robbie Frank and 3rd place, Aislin Henagan. And, in class three the winners were: 1st place, Gary Wilson; 2nd place, Sophie Wigent, and 3rd place, Joshua Applewhaite. Class two was made more exciting this year as all three winners had a full pull. Because of that they had to each take another turn. The winner of that class, Esme James, managed to get a second full pull. The couple that provides the pedal tractor and sled for this event will be cutting back in the future as they look to retirement. The Glad-Peach Festival is actively looking for someone to replace them and run the pull.
Glad-Peach Prince and Princess
GLAD-PEACH ROYALTY… The Glad-Peach Prince and Princess Court of Honor (from the left) Ella Spies, Daniel Zan-darski, Reaghan Prestidge, Ross Smothers, Payton Yeske, and Roman Arndt. (TCR photo by Christina Gelder)
The Glad-Peach Prince and Princess contest is a big deal for the Coloma Lioness Club. It is one of their biggest fundraisers and allows them to help the community with donations and scholarships. With almost 30 participants competing for the crown friends and family were given chances to vote at several local businesses over the last few weeks. As announced during the opening ceremonies to the 2016 Glad-Peach Festival this year’s court of honor is: Glad-Peach Prince – Ross Smothers, son of Mitch and Karla Smothers 1st Runner-Up – Roman Arndt, son of Ann Orr and Jason Arndt 2nd Runner-Up – Daniel Zandarski, son of Aaryn and Daniel Zandarski Glad-Peach Princess – Reaghan Prestidge, aughter of Taylor and Matt Prestidge 1st Runner-Up – Payton Yeske, daughter of James and April Yeske 2nd Runner-Up – Ella Spies, daughter of Ashley and Steve Spies
BEST OVERALL… Lyla Current was assisted by her grand-father, Dan Atherton at the Co-loma Glad-Peach Youth Parade as they won Best Overall with their Minion theme. The pony also had a sign saying “Life is a Peach in Coloma…there are a Minion things to make you Glad”. Lyla’s mother Rebecca says that Lyla picked the theme this year. (TCR photo by Christina Gelder)
Youth Parade does well at the
Glad-Peach Festival
BEST YOUTH PARADE FLOAT… Ethan Fajardo made an excellent “James” in his ver-sion of James and the Giant Peach. A very appropriate float for the Glad-Peach Festival. He was the winner of the Best Float category in the parade. All of the youth parade winners were invited back to participate in Saturday’s big parade. (TCR photo by Christina Gelder)
The participation in the Glad-Peach Youth Parade seems to ebb and flow, up some years and down others. This year was great for participation. The entries were super fun and there were a lot of them. The parade is held on Friday evening after the opening ceremonies and travels from True Value down to Baker Park. Awards are given out for several different categories. The 2016 winners were: Best Decorated Bicycle – Morsaw Girls Best Costumed Individual – Kaden Hauser 2nd place Costumed Individual – Jalyn Johnsen Best Marching Unit – Girl Scouts 2nd place Marching Unit – Chemical Bank Best Decorated Wagon or Mini Car – Pounders Kids 2nd place Decorated Wagon or Mini Car – Laugh and learn Daycare Best Float – James and the Giant Peach Best Overall – Lyla Current
BEST OVERALL FLOAT… Berrien Springs Yellow Submarine inspired float won the hearts of many as it visited Coloma for the Glad-Peach Parade, including the judges. They were the winners of the Best Overall Float. (TCR photo by Christina Gelder)
Berrien County Youth Fair opens Monday
FAIR OPENING
The 2016 Berrien County Youth Fair gates open on Monday, August 15, at 7:30 a.m. with most exhibit buildings ready for viewing by 11 a.m. Rides, however, will not start until 6:00 p.m. on Monday only. Tuesday through Saturday, rides start at 11:00 a.m. Office hours during Fair Week are 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Admission gates close daily at 10:00 p.m. Tram service is available from the Yellow Parking Lot located near the Gate 3/Shawnee Entrance from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. “Welcome to the Fair” from the fair board president On behalf of the Berrien County Youth Fair Board of Directors, I would like to welcome you to the 71st annual Berrien County Youth Fair, August 15-20. Our theme this year is “Kick Up Your Heels,” and we are excited about making memories and celebrating at this year’s fair! The directors, fair staff, advisors, superintendents, sponsors, and over 1,500 volunteers have worked all year to make this a place to showcase the Youth of Berrien County. We want to thank all of the people and businesses that have stepped forward to assist in raising funds for exhibitor premiums. Thanks to all of the people that attended the “Kick Up Your Heels” dinner dance and also donated items for the silent auction, and to those that simply donated with the attitude that “it’s all about the kids.” The BCYF, which attracts over 120,000 spectators, is an event for the entire family to attend. Our visitors will find something for everyone to enjoy: almost 12,000 exhibits on display exhibited by over 2,000 Berrien County Youth ages 5 through 20, animals, food, rides, over 150 commercial exhibits, entertainment, beautiful flowers and grounds with picnic tables and benches to name just a few. The fair is once again “going green” this year! You’ll see recycling containers located throughout the grounds. In addition, the BCYF has been accepted to the “Green Fair Project,” a 50% reimbursement program set up by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee to help promote and demonstrate the benefits of soy based products. The Berrien County Youth Fair chose a brochure printer this year that uses soy ink. Check out free attractions, including: a focus on the 60’s in our Historical building; The Great American Duck Race, a FREE show for the entire family; Zendor the Magician; and daily entertainment in our mall area on the Al Barbott Memorial Stage with PA and lighting equipment from Indiana Michigan Power, Cook Nuclear Plant’s “Heart of Cook” grant. The Entertainment Committee is excited to host country star and winner of The Voice Season 7, Craig Wayne Boyd with special guest Caroline Kole on Wednesday and The Happy Together Tour starring The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie, Chuck Negron formerly of Three Dog Night, Mark Lindsay former lead singer of Paul Revere and the Raiders, Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Cowsills, and The Spencer Davis Group starring Spencer Davis on Thursday. Friday night will see the return of Bullmania. Don’t forget the other unique entertainment at the Midwest’s Largest Youth Fair, including a tri-county shootout truck and tractor pull on Monday, and Diesel Domination featuring Indiana Hot Farm Tractors and diesel trucks on Saturday! Kids’ Day is Tuesday, with free admission for kids and three free circus shows in the Grandstand. We are expecting a lot of thrill seekers as we again offer one low price each day for rides wristband days, which is every day this year. I hope you will a make a date for your family to come and join in the fun at the 2016 Berrien County Youth Fair. As always you can find great fair food including just a few of our long time fair favorites such as Korn Dogs, Steak Tips, Taffy, Cotton Candy and Lemonade.
Bruce Foster, President
Berrien County Youth Fair
Comments