FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 24, 2010

 
 

Harvest Contest at Union County MusicFest

 

Master Gardeners Norma Cohen of Berkeley Heights, Bridget Mracek of Mountainside, and Carol Marquardt of Fanwood harvest tomatoes at the Union County Demonstration Garden in the Watchung Reservation. Gardeners are invited to submit entries in the Harvest Contest at the Union County MusicFest this September.
(left to right) Master Gardeners Norma Cohen of Berkeley Heights, Bridget Mracek of Mountainside, and Carol Marquardt of Fanwood harvest tomatoes at the Union County Demonstration Garden in the Watchung Reservation.  Gardeners are invited to submit entries in the Harvest Contest at the Union County MusicFest this September.  For more information contact the County Extension offices at 908-654-9854. For all details on MusicFest, visit www.ucmusicfest.com.    (Photo: Irene Grottano)

 

Union County, NJ – Home gardening enthusiasts are invited to bring their biggest tomato to compete for $500 in prizes in the first ever Harvest Contest at the Union County MusicFest in September.  All entries will receive a participation ribbon.

In addition to the biggest tomato, prizes will be awarded for the biggest zucchini, for the funniest looking undecorated vegetable of any kind, and for characters made out of vegetables and vegetable parts.

“The Harvest Contest is our way of celebrating those who care for and help preserve the precious green spaces in Union County, whether it’s your own yard or a public place,” said Union County Freeholder Chairman Daniel P. Sullivan. “I hope the Harvest Contest display at MusicFest inspires many more County residents to try their hand at gardening.”

Attendance at Union County MusicFest is expected to top last year’s estimated crowd of 70,000. The event includes two days of nonstop free music on September 11 and 12, the County Fair at MusicFest carnival from September 8-12, and many other attractions.

Entry in the Harvest Contest is limited to persons in 4th grade or older.  All vegetables must be grown for non-commercial use at a home, school, or community garden.

To enter the Harvest Contest, bring your entry to the Rutgers Cooperative Extension tent at Union County Musicfest, Oak Ridge Park on Raritan Road in Clark, between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday September 8 or Thursday September 9, or between 9:00 a.m. and noon on Friday, September 10.

Winners will be announced at mid-day on Saturday, September 11.  It is not necessary to attend in order to receive an award.  Contestants can retrieve their entries and pick up their ribbon or prize after 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 12.

The Rutgers Extension, which is supported in part by the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, will also provide cooking demonstrations, gardening demonstrations, and exhibits during MusicFest, including childhood obesity awareness programs sponsored by Walmart.

For more information about the Harvest Contest, contact the Extension offices at 908-654-9854 or email Union County 4-H Extension Agent James Nichnadowicz, jnichnadowicz@ucnj.org.

For all details on MusicFest, visit www.ucmusicfest.com.