By Holly Johnson

The Hormel Historic Home

There have been several contests at the Hormel Historic Home recently.

On Oct. 23, we awarded Sarah Overocker Srsen from Sweets Hotel in LeRoy the title of Mower County’s Best Bartender. More than 100 people attended the event, and their vote, along with the judges’ scores in seven categories, made her the winner.  Delicious food was sold by Torge’s Live and Jesse Smith offered great entertainment throughout the evening. Sarah joins Adam Wradislavsky as a winner in this fun contest. You can choose the 2014 winner next October.

On Oct.27, the HHH was filled with characters of all shapes and sizes as we hosted our annual Halloween Costume Parade and Dance.  Kids from 0-12 showed off their costumes and dance moves while Sam Deyo played popular songs that surely wore them out.

A tin man, the Mad Hatter, a skunk and a chicken were among the eight winners. We are thankful to the Mower County 4-H for helping sponsor this event. The proceeds will be donated to their organization.

Next week, I will announce another winner when we have the results of the Harris Piano Competition. In last week’s column I told you about Benjamin Hormel, George’s youngest brother. I also told you a bit about his granddaughter, MarySue who makes it possible for us to host the competition.

The HHH is fortunate to have her support. In my personal contact with MarySue I have found her to be a remarkable woman with a passion for the arts and for her family legacy in Austin. She will share a few Austin memories, her talent and her background at the Piano Contest named in her honor on November 2.

Her musically gifted family, including her father who she says “could play the piano beautifully by ear” influenced MarySue. She had a private piano studio for more than 40 years and passed her family gift to her own children as well as many other students.

Today her grandchildren can share in her gift as she instructs them via Skype each week. She often encouraged her students to compete in local, state, and regional competitions, as she believes in the challenges they present to the performer.

She recently wrote to me “As a competition tests the students’ ability to perform, it also lifts the level of excellence in the city!”

With MarySue’s support the HHH can continue to bring musical opportunities to you.

Autism Fun Night

6 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 8

Autism Fun Night for kids in grades K-5.  Supervised activities at the YMCA for children affected by Autism.  Register at the HHH.  $5 per child

Autism Teen Night

6 to around 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 15

Autism Teen Night for kids in grades 6-12 at Pizza Ranch.  Community outing for young people affected by Autism.  Pre-register at the HHH. $10 per child.

Social Concerns: Natural Holidays

10 to 11 a.m., Nov. 19

Presented by Jim Stiles of Super Fresh and his talented team. Learn how to add natural ingredients to your holiday baking and decorating projects.  They will even bring treats to share.

Please give us a call to let us know you are planning to attend. 507-433-4243.

Holiday Open House and English Tea

Nov. 22 and 23

For the 26th year the HHH will be fully decorated for the holidays. You are invited to tour and enjoy various entertainment and a traditional tea menu from 1 to 3:30 each day.

Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the HHH or online at www.hormelhistorichome.org.