White House Weekend to kick off spring season

By Lissa Bell

news@vindy.com

CANFIELD

White House Fruit Farm plans to kick off its spring season with two upcoming weekend events.

Employees are making final preparations for the 6th Annual White House Weekend this Saturday and Sunday, and the the 2nd Annual Apple Dessert Recipe Contest March 27.

The original White House Weekend was in 2004 as a spring kick-off event. According to owner Debbie Pifer, it is perfect timing because it coincides with Maple Syrup Month.

“It’s the first Ohio crop of the season and it’s always highly anticipated,” said Pifer.

White House Weekend will feature fresh Ohio maple syrup and local vendors with products such as meats, cheeses, sauces, relishes and baked goods. New products will be available for sampling.

Pifer said White House Fruit Farm takes pride in its apples as well as a deli that features 40 meats and 40 cheeses, some of which are Ohio products; a bakery, which, according to her, is well-known for its doughnuts and pies; and thousands of specialty food items and snack-food mixes.

“We do spring events to remind people that we’re here year-round,” said Pifer. Because many of the summer and fall events are geared toward families with young children, Pifer enjoys having a spring event that is geared more to adults, with contests and a free reusable tote for every purchase over $25.

“It’s nice to see all of the people after the winter season. They get to do a tour and eat along the way,” said Pifer. “Our staff looks forward to it so much because it’s a chance to get geared up.”

For Harvest for Hunger Month, White House Farms will partner with Second Harvest Food Bank for the apple dessert recipe contest. The first event had over 50 entries. “The attention to detail was just staggering,” said Pifer.

Applications are available at www.whitehousefruitfarm.com. The $5 entry fee goes to Second Harvest Food Bank, and the farm will match what is raised in entry fees in addition to the bins of apples donated every year. Entry deadline is Monday.

The first-place winner will receive $100 in cash and free apples for a year (a peck of apples every month). Second place is a $50 White House gift certificate and a bushel of apples. Third place is a $25 gift certificate and a bushel of apples.

Contestants can mail their recipe to White House Fruit Farm, Attn: Apple Dessert Contest, 9249 State Route 62, Canfield, OH 44406, or deliver it in person.

Entries must be prepared at home and brought to White House Fruit Farm between 10 and 11 a.m. on March 27.

Contest judges will include Mike Iberis, director of Second Harvest, and Glenn and Regina Stevens.