Spring weekend, dessert contest at fruit farm

Staff report

CANFIELD

A sure sign of spring is on the horizon. White House Fruit Farm’s annual White House Weekend will be March 17 and 18.

The family event blends fun and local food with a number of Ohio vendors on hand offering samples.

“For many families, this weekend has become a sure sign that spring is definitely on the way,” said Debbie Pifer, White House owner.

The event will include a large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables and deli and bakery items. Locally produced maple syrup will be featured in the 10,000-square-foot farm market, which is about 10 minutes south of Canfield on U.S. Route 62. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 17, and noon to 5 p.m. March 18.

The fourth annual apple-recipe contest will take place March 24 at White House. A panel of judges will determine the three top winners of apple-based desserts brought in on the day of the event. Judging starts at 1 p.m.

Entry forms, printed recipes and the $5 entry fee are due by March 19. Entry forms and rules are available at whitehousefruitfarm.com and also can be picked up at the farm. Mail or deliver to: White House Fruit Farm, Apple Dessert Recipe Contest, 9249 State Route 62, Canfield, OH 44406.

The first-place winner will receive a cash prize and apples for a year. Second- and third-place winners will receive White House gift certificates and a bushel of apples.

The entry fees will be donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. Seventy bushels of fresh White House apples also will be given to the food bank after the event, said Pifer.

White House also will collect nonperishable food for the Food Bank from the start of the weekend celebration March 17 through March 24.

Second Harvest Food Bank provides food to 153 hunger-relief organizations in Columbiana, Mahoning and Trumbull counties, including church pantries, homeless shelters and soup kitchens, shelters for battered women and after-school programs.