Well folks, I think George and Lillian would have enjoyed the Hoedown held in their home last weekend.

Nearly 200 people from Austin and beyond entered through their wide welcoming doors and enjoyed a night of food, music and community spirit.

Six area food enthusiasts created menus that made choosing the winner a difficult task. The teams were judged in a main dish and dessert categories. By the end of the night some of the voters were wishing they had shared with their spouse, friend or even a stranger as the portions were generous and so delicious that no bite could be left on the plate.

The 2018 winner in both categories was the Father Daughter Duo of Neal and Berghyn Hull. They embraced the theme wearing matching plaid shirts while serving a Triple Stacked Slider filled with a hand breaded pork tenderloin, grilled smoked sausage and braised pork. Their dessert was a Drunken Pig Peach Cobbler featuring peaches infused with Dr. McGillicuddy’s peach schnapps.

The competition was tough as the other five teams brought their best to the table.

WK-The Wicked Kitchen — Chef Wade Kolander

Main Dish: Bison Sliders with Chipotle Aioli and Pepper Jack Cheese. Dessert: Brownie Ala Mode with chocolate sauce

Hy-Vee’s Culinary Team — Chefs Kristine Wolner and Marissa Ide

Main Dish: Maple Pepper Bourbon Beef Stew with Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Biscotti. Dessert: Sweet Potato Puffs with smoked pecans and whiskey caramel sauce

Just Neighbors: Chefs Leah and Levi Erichson and Tom and Kim Schulte

Main Dish: Leah’s Smokin’ Brisket Chili and Honey Butter Cornbread Muffin. Dessert: Key Lime Pie on Graham Cracker Crust

Hoot & Ole’s Takes the Cake featuring Chefs Jeremy Olson and Kathi Finley

Main Dish: Porky Slaw Slider with Carolina style BBQ sauce. Accompanied by Crazy Beans. Dessert: An assortment of Piggy Parfaits featuring Slippery Mudslides and Lemon Raspberry varieties.

Spamagic Duo: Chefs Terri Bergstrom and Shelly Hovland

Main Dish: Mouth-watering Meatballs with Mexican Flair featuring the Jenni-O and Herdez brands. Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Ice Cream with Skippy PB Ribbons and Justin’s Milk Chocolate PB cups

The atmosphere was made complete by the lively bluegrass sound of the Silver Prairie Band consisting of musicians from Austin, Preston and Waukon, Iowa. Thanks goes to KAUS announcer John Wright for being the emcee for the evening and to Mick Brooks for leading a very successful live auction. This event is very important to the preservation of the Hormel Historic Home and we are grateful to all for your support.

Next time you see these talented food enthusiasts give them kudos for sharing their talent with our community.

Hearth & Home: Safety for Seniors 

10 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 27

[Note: event was rescheduled from Feb. 20]

Presented by Tori Miller of the Crime Victims Resource Center. Crime and the fear of crime create special problems for seniors within our community. This presentation will offer seniors suggestions for ways they can protect themselves against crime.

Harris Music Contest Awards Concert

4 p.m., Saturday, March 3

The community is invited to attend the afternoon concert given by the top contestants in the 6th annual Harris Music Contest. Contestants will have been judged in the morning competition and will then be invited to play and be recognized for their accomplishments at the afternoon event at the Paramount Theater, free. Reception will follow the concert.