October 16th Sonnenberg Village
Kidron, Ohio
The 13th Annual Kidron Beet Festival will take place in Sonnenberg Village on October 16th beginning at 10:00 am and ending at 2:00 pm.
The Beet Festival was begun in 2009 in Kidron by Keith Schloneger at his ice cream stand to promote the propagation of the German Lutz Beet by giving free beet seeds to his friends and neighbors. Many returned to show him the beet which they had grown some of which weighed 15 pounds or more. The German Lutz beet appeared in German speaking parts of Europe in the Middle Ages and were grown to great size while remaining tender. They provided a staple diet throughout the harsh winters.
The early Beet festival included only the Lutz Beet. When the Festival moved to Sonnenberg Village in 2014, additional categories were added. The current categories are: Largest German Lutz Beet, the most Lucious Lutz Beet, the best organic Lutz Beet, the best heirloom beet (all other beets), the best salad (with beets), the best appetizer/side dish (using beets) and the best dessert (using beets).
Entries are due beginning at 9:00 am and end at 11:00 am when judging begins. Prizes will be awarded at noon to the winners of all of the above categories.
The Sonnenberg Church food wagon and the Schloneger ice cream wagon will open fr business at 10:00 am. The featured ice cream will be, of course, beet ice cream. All of the Sonnenberg Villages buildings, including the blacksmith shop which will being in operation, will open at 10:00 am with free admission. Rob Gregory of Orrville will also be present all day with his calliope. You do not need to be a fan of red beets to come and have a good time, but it helps.
Music will be provided beginning at 10 am by the Stout Suzuki Studion Players and at noon by Down and Kraut from Canton.