Natalie Thames earned a best-overall rosette in the Intermediate division for the second straight year, while Allyson McElhenny and Sadie Tew also earned rosettes in their respective age divisions in the 4-H Table Setting-Contest, which was held March 4 at the Bradford Agricultural Fairgrounds.
Thames presented a “Green Gables Luncheon,” based on the L.M. Montgomery book “Anne of Green Gables.” Thames created a menu that included spring salad, roasted wild turkey, creamed Prince Edward Island potatoes, roasted carrots, non-alcohol raspberry cordial and, for dessert, a choice of plum pudding with sauce or pink-and-yellow drop cookies.
Hailey Griffis also competed in the Intermediate division, earning a red ribbon.
McElhenny earned her rosette in the Senior division for a setting based on Dr. Seuss’ “Oh, The Places I Will Go” in celebration of her senior year in 4-H and her upcoming graduation from Bradford High School. She created a menu of family recipes that had been passed down from her grandmother: Caesar salad, grilled chicken, sauteed green beans, garlic-butter white rice, sweet tea or homemade lemonade, and, for dessert, strawberry trifle.
The Senior division’s other participant, Kyndall Key, earned a red ribbon.
In the Junior division, Tew earned the rosette for her setting based on “A Secret-Garden Brunch.” Her menu consisted of tossed garden salad with strawberry vinaigrette, chicken salad served on a warm croissant, mixed fruit served on a skewer, strawberry lemonade or water, and, for dessert, miniature chocolate tart topped with strawberries.
The Junior division also consisted of Emma Griffis, who earned a blue ribbon, and Madelyn Ballard and McKynzie Stopka, who earned red ribbons.
The contest, which is held annually the Friday before the official start of the Bradford Agricultural Fair, teaches youth etiquette skills, menu planning and nutrition as well as helping them develop presentation skills (they discuss their setting and theme in front of judges, who ask them questions).
All of the table-setting displays can be viewed during the fair in Building 2 in the 4-H area.
