Loyal Corn Fest

It was early rising on Sunday, August 30 for our 25 ^th parade. We all gathered at the Warrens Cranfest building to load our Cranberrymobile with formals and other Royalty necessities to head to Clark county for the 51 ^st Loyal Corn Festival parade. It was such a beautiful "fall" day as we enjoyed our 1 1/2-hour ride through Black River Falls, Merrillan, Neillsville and Christie. We have had our share of "firsts" this parade season-- after taking a quick driving tour of Loyal, we finally found the parade registration headquarters: Cuddie Funeral Home, which also was provided to us for changing into our formals!!!

Then it was off to the Queen's Tea at City Hall before it was "wave" time. The Princesses and myself were blessed to have 2 additional "bodygards" in addition to my Dad and brother, Paul. Quaden and Xaiver Baird provided added protection for the Royalty as well as were super good at helping Paul invite and hand out Cranfest brochures. After being announced by 3 announcing stations it was time to put the Cranfest Float down for a nap and change into our sports wear.

We then went to the Corn Fest grounds where we found that "Loyal does corn right" and enjoyed some delicious corn on the cob. Then it was back to the Cranberrymobile to head south to Warrens. Our trip would not be complete without a little bit of cake and champagne (non-alcoholic of course) to celebrate our 25 ^th parade which was done in Neillsville at the city square gazebo. And before the sun set, we were all back safely to the Warrens Cranfest building to prepare for our next parade.

Onalaska Community Days Parade

Elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist. It was time for another parade as we waved in Onalaska, Wisconsin for the 1 ^st annual Community Days Parade on August 22nd. What a lovely day it was, with the wind slightly blowing and our parasols giving us a picture prefect look. Moments before the parade started, we met Miss Wisconsin 2009 and talked about cranberries as we quizzed Kristina Smaby on Wisconsin's State fruit. It was great! When we passed the announcer, they surprised me and said, "Happy Birthday," which made my day so special. We finished the day by celebrating at Famous Dave's in Onalaska. The Cranberry Queen is now one year older!

Ettrick Fun Days Parade

Can you say "fun" five times fast? Well, on Sunday August 23 ^rd we traveled to the small town of Ettrick to have some fun at the Fun Days Celebration. A favorite parade memory was when a bee flew by us as we were waving on the float. The bee preceded to fly to these two young gentlemen who were watching and waving to us on the side…it was a moment to remember! [laughing] We couldn't stop the giggles! They must of had something sweet! Imagine they were doing the royal wave when suddenly this bee comes and scares them!! To finish the day we stopped by the Dairy Way for lunch and ice cream. Now, that was a "fun" day!!!

Burstad's

On Thursday August 20 ^th, I was at the Burnstad's European Restaurant as a guest speaker for a tour group visiting Cranberry Country from the Wisconsin Rapids area. I spoke on cranberry history, growing cranberries, health benefits and much more. I even brought my very own pair of hip boots to show them. As I walked around the room, you'd be surprise how many young ladies wanted to try them on. Each of the ladies attending were given Cranfest brochures and hopefully I'll see them all back in Warrens Wisconsin Sept 25-27.

WSCGA Clay Shoot

On Wednesday August 19 ^th, the princesses and I traveled to Potter Rd in Warrens to the Woods and Meadow Sporting Clay Shoot held annually each year. The weather was a bit windy as our tent blew down, but the Clay Shoot continued and we had a blast. Our job was helping with raffle sales and controlling the Flurry Shot as teams and players battled for the prizes. We encouraged everyone not to give up and go for the best shoot! Ready, pull!

Holmen Kornfest

We waved at the Holmen Kornfest in Holmen, Wisconsin on a very beautiful day, Saturday, August 15 ^th. After the parade, we walked the festival and met two good lookin' Corncobs, Tom and Mike. Now, when I think of corn, I think of Thanksgiving with that big bowl of corn sitting next to the cranberries! But you don't have to have corn and cranberries just at Thanksgiving-eat them year around! Try sweet corn on a cob with cranberries at your next family gathering or picnic!

Wisconsin State Fair

The moment we anticipated all year finally arrived as we woke up at the beautiful Crowne Plaza Hotel in Wauwatosa, WI-- The Wisconsin State Fair 2009. We arrived early with our coolers full, and headed to the Wisconsin Products Pavilion with each of our family members helping us out.

Backstage we prepared our demos and were given microphones before going live at 10:30 AM. Princesses Lauryn Patterson and Chelsie Popp and I did an exceptional job!

Then it was off to the Cream Puff Eating Contest. At this event, I was able to introduce myself and tell everyone about Cranfest and of course my favorite cranberry cream puffs! The contest was very fun as I attempted to eat a 5 pound cream puff. It was crantastic fun as I went against the Wisconsin Fairest and Alice in Dairyland.

After the competition, I mingled with the media and talked with fair goers. At 3:00 PM we experienced the State Fair parade as we waved throughout the fair grounds. Finishing the day, we walked the fair grounds, trying many things, laughing with our families, learning about Wisconsin and most importantly promoting Cranfest 2009.

Day two at the Wisconsin State Fair was even better! Our food demos went well, and everyone really enjoyed it. I also shared the stage once again with the Wisconsin Honey Queen Amy Roden for another presentation later that day. Later, we finished talking with many people and walking the fair. Our fair experience could not be compete without riding the rides, including the Giant Slide and Sky Ride which takes you on a adventure as you view the fair from the sky! Memories of the State Fair 2009 will always be close to our hearts as we did our best to promote, represent, and educate about Wisconsin's State Fruit…the mighty Cranberry.

WSCGA Summer Field Days

On Wednesday August 12 ^th, our Cranberry Suburban traveled to Pittsville, WI with the Cranberry Royalty, Tom Popp and Dave Reeck. Gardner Cranberry and Gardner Cold Storage were hosts to the 2009 WSCGA Summer Meeting & Field Day. The day was lovely as we visited with the many vendors and cranberry growers. To start the day out right, we savored a cranberry shake followed by a cranberry cream puff. We learned about everything from new equipment to different cranberry booms on the market today. Before lunch, we took the marsh tour and learned about the Gardner Company. Then lunch was served, and everything on the menu was delicious. My favorite was the cranberry crantastic salad! The meeting began at 1:15 PM, and we were introduced and gave a short speech. Then we were off and back on the road to the State Fair for our next big event.

Bangor Fun Daze Parade

Number 21 was sure fun as we waved in Bangor, WI on Sunday August 9th. Each parade has its own special memory. At this parade, we were stopped in the middle while waiting for a train to pass. Even if rain was in the forecast, we didn't let that stop us from having fun. After the parade, we enjoyed the car show and festival. Before ending the day, we headed to Rudy's in Sparta to have a Root Beer Float.

Pure Water in Chippewa Falls

Can you believe it's our 20 ^th parade already? That's right. On Saturday August 8 ^th, my two princesses and I waved through the Chippewa Falls Pure Water Days Parade at 1:00 PM. It was a day full of unexpected weather as it rained on our way there. The sun came out and was one of our warmest parades in history. As we traveled homeward, it started raining again. The parade was very beautiful and pleasing especially from the Queen's rake. Historic buildings lined the parade route to make the perfect view from the top.

After the parade we mingled and visited with many people, laughed with the clowns and smiled with the Royalty. Before we knew it, the 20 ^th parade was in the history books and we were traveling home again to the land of cranberries. What is one thing I've learned from the 20 parades so far? Every parade is different and special in it's own way.

Wisconsin Valley Fair

On Friday August 7 ^th, I was invited to the Wisconsin Valley Fair to give a cranberry presentation. It was a lovely day as my mom and I traveled to Wausau, Wisconsin to attend the fair. My presentation was at noon in the Ag Adventure Tent and was very educational as I shared my cranberry knowledge of growing, harvesting, history, health benefits, products and more. I also demonstrated how to make cranberry butter and afterwards everyone was able to taste test with crackers. Then it was time to indulge in some fair food as mom and I savored a delicious Wisconsin baked potato. After our tummies were satisfied, we enjoyed walking through the exhibits and talking with many people.

Back at the Ag Adventure Tent, I was in the Butter Carving Contest. Of course, I carved cranberries and even had some cranberry vines with me to add to my masterpiece. It was a lot of fun! I met Katie Wirkus, the 2009 Wisconsin Valley Fairest of the Fair, and I learned more about the fair and her job as fairest. Thank you Wisconsin Valley Fair for the crantastic memories!

Take me out to the ball game!

It was the perfect night to cheer on the LaCrosse Loggers. The two princesses along with our families and Jim and Nodji VanWychen and their two grandsons joined me in the splendid evening. We started the game by being introduced and throwing the opening pitch. I was brave and pitched from the mound (90 feet)! It must be all that cranberry juice I drink because it was a great throw. (big smile) Later we enjoyed a Logger dog and of course Logger fries. But the game could not be complete without snacking on healthy, yummy, sweetened dried cranberries which I always have in my bag. Before the game was over, we found ourselves with the best seats in park and savored the moment as they won the game! Afterwards we had our baseballs signed by many of the players and even signed some things for some of our fans as well. It was an overall wonderful evening at the Lumberyard.

Wilton Wood Turtle Parade

On Sunday August 2 ^nd, we attended the Wood Turtle Days Parade in Wilton, WI. It was a perfect day for a parade as we strolled through the town, located in the heart of the Elroy- Sparta bike trail. The parade route was short. We even ran into Sen. Dan Kapanke. Later, we enjoyed a delicious BBQ chicken dinner at the American Legion and they even served us jellied cranberry sauce with our meal. It was a "Berry" good day to celebrate our first parade in August.

Monroe County Fair Food Demonstration

On Friday July 31 ^st, we were at the Monroe County Fair. With ingredients measured and our aprons on, we were ready to demonstrate our State Fair recipes once again. We had a nice audience watching as we demonstrated our recipes. It was a great practice for all of us as we used a microphone. Now, we are counting down to the State Fair. We will be leaving Wednesday August 12 ^th for three days of promoting our State Fruit, the Cranberry. Here is another recipe for you to try:

Chewy Cranberry Crunch

5 quarters popped popcorn

1½ cups sliced almonds

1½ cups whole almonds

2 cups sweetenend dried cranberries

1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

½ cup corn syrup

1 teaspoon cranberry juice

½ teaspoon baking soda

In an extra large bowl or kettle, combine the popcorn, almonds and dried cranberries.

In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, sugar and corn syrup. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a boil. Let boil for 5 minutes without stirring.

Remove from heat and stir in the cranberry juice and baking soda. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Pour the hot mixture over the popcorn mixture.

Divide the mixture onto two lightly greased 10- by 15-inch cookie sheets and bake at 250° F. for 30 minutes, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven and spread popcorn apart. Allow to cool; store in airtight container.