In the past few weeks the Hormel Historic Home has crowned several “winners” of whom we are very proud.

Thirty-four young people participated in the Fourth Harris Piano Contest on Feb. 20 and five chef teams competed for the people’s choice award at the fifth annual Foodie Throwdown on Feb. 27.

These two events helped to fulfill the HHH mission of providing education, music and hospitality to all ages in our community. MarySue Hormel Harris sponsors the piano contest so young musicians can grow from the experience and receive valuable feedback that will help them improve. She wants the contest to be a fun, low pressure event that supports a young person’s interest in music.

Unfortunately, MarySue was not able to participate in this year’s event due to a slip on the ice that resulted in a broken hip. She is recovering well, and is disappointed to have missed the contest.

Thank you to the six area piano teachers who encouraged their students to register: Holly Dalager, Joyce Edland, Susan Hays, Lynee Larson, Sonia Larson, and Jan Musik. Following are the results.

Beginners

Olivia Augustine, champion

Logan Hyland, runner-up

Caleb Augustine and Gabby Wang, honorable mention

 Intermediates

Winston Walkup, champion

Blake Zimmerli, runner-up

Ella Mensink and Cheney Yao, honorable mention

 Juniors

Tedd Lund, champion

Katie Shin, runner-up

Abigail Muller and Whitney Walkup, honorable mention

 Seniors

Lane Canny, champion

Isaac Kubas, runner-Up

Sydney Bendtsen and Abigail Bollingberg, honorable mention

Overall champions were Olivia Augustine (beginner and intermediate) and Lane Canny (junior and senior).

 Foodie Throwdown

The 5-Star Foodie Throwdown lived up to its name by featuring the best from five area chef teams. This fundraiser supports the general operations of the Hormel Historic Home and has become very successful. We added a live auction featuring unique entertainment packages from around Minnesota and Iowa. A wine tasting by Three Oaks Vineyards in Albert Lea was also a new addition, and many guests enjoyed tasting several varieties from the award winning vineyard.

Guests sampled five main entrees and five desserts and voted for their favorites. The voting was very close but in the end the team of Gareth Hataye and Alan Rasell were chosen for their main dish of Mediterranean Chicken. Amy Riley’s Bananas Foster was the winner in the dessert category.

All the chefs created outstanding menus as described below.

•Wade Kolander with Ann and Adam Houck: NY Strip with Béarnaise Sauce and Chocolate Chocolate Chip Rum Cake.

•Kristine Wolner and Marc Shapiro: Chicken Florentine and Bread Pudding with Butter Rum Caramel Sauce

•Diane Sherman: Beef Wellington and Caramel Cream Eclairs with Chocolate Ganache Frosting

•Gareth and Alan’s dessert: Baklava with Fireball Whipped Cream

Amy Riley’s main dish: Pork Loin with Tart Cherry Sauce

I hope that all who participated in the Harris Piano Contest and the Foodie Throwdown received feedback to support them and praise to encourage them.

 SpamKids Fest

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 12, free

Celebrating the local love of the SPAM® brand through science, history and arts

Join us for crafts, tastings, stories, tours and music. Appropriate for children ages 2-12

 History Happy Hour

Austin’s Vocal Music History

5:30 p.m., social, 6 p.m. presentation, Monday, March 14

Take a look at the historical growth of choral opportunities within the public school system. Presented by Brian Johnson, AHS choir director

and featuring the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. Free for members of the HHH, Mower County Historical Society, and Friends of the Library. $5 for non-members.