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Johnny Appleseed Organic
Invitational is under way
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Organic gardeners throughout the United States will have the opportunity to compete for prizes, including a Bitcoin, a new electric vehicle and a small farm as the first Johnny Appleseed Organic Invitational is now under way. Sunday's launch date coincided with the birthday of John Chapman, the real-life American frontiersman who inspired the Johnny Appleseed legend.
Presented in partnership with Mother Earth News, the contest is intended to showcase the skills of the nation's top organic growers and provide a platform for them to share their knowledge. Video entries will be accepted through Nov. 30, with finalists selected in December and the competition itself set to take place during the 2022 growing season.
"Everyone acknowledges that organic food is healthier and better tasting, but there's a pervasive myth that truly sustainable growing practices can't produce an abundant enough yield to feed American families," said Jeff Meyer, founder of Johnny Appleseed Organic. "The Johnny Appleseed Organic Invitational will prove that we can provide for everyone while producing food in a responsible, ecologically friendly manner."
Growers selected for the competition will be among the most talented and experienced gardeners in the country and will compete from home as permitted by their local growing season. It is free to enter the contest and no purchase is required.
Contestants will receive points for their placement in each competitive category, with a cumulative winner determined at the end of the contest. Categories include:
– Heaviest tomato (as determined by certified scale);
– Hottest pepper (Scoville scale);
– Most beautiful flower arrangement in a 65 gallon grow bag (determined by social voting);
– Heaviest sweet potato in a 65 gallon grow bag (as determined by certified scale);
– Heaviest squash (any variety, as determined by certified scale); and
– Best organic gardening "hack" (determined by social voting.)
Each competitor chosen for the invitational will receive $1,000 in cryptocurrency, and the overall cumulative winner will receive their choice of grand prize options including one Bitcoin, a brand-new Ford F-150 EV, a Kubota tractor with attachments and a restricted deed for a small farm at the Johnny Appleseed Organic Village, a sustainable living development nestled within the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge near Folkston, Ga.
A live leaderboard will run throughout the competition, and will feature multimedia content from the contestants, including tips and tricks for other home gardeners following the competition. Leaderboards will also be updated on JohnnyAppleseed.com and MotherEarthNews.com. For information or to submit an entry, visit JohnnyAppleseed.com/Invitational.
Chicken barbecue fundraiser at Jewett UMC on Saturday
JEWETT -- The Effie Stewart chicken barbecue fundraiser will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday at Jewett United Methodist Church, located at 1010 W. Main St.
The fundraiser will be a drive-through event only. The cost is $10 for the meal that includes chicken, baked potato, cole slaw, roll and cookies.
UMW Local 1304 to meet
Saturday at Hopedale Legion
HOPEDALE -- The United Mine Workers of America Local 1304 will meet at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Hopedale American Legion, located at 48225 Rabbit Road.
Pumpkin-themed story hour set at Brooke County Library
WELLSBURG -- The Brooke County Public Library will hold an evening Explore and Learn story hour at 5 p.m. Oct. 7.
Kim Harless will lead children in hands-on activities inspired by "How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin."
To register for the free program, call (304) 737-1551 or visit https:bcplvirtual.weebly.com/programs.