Enjoying the evening at Hartefeld

The Mushroom Festival’s Spring Event was help on April 20. Over 180 guests came to honor and celebrate the work of the 33 nonprofit organizations receiving grants this yea. Over $55,000 was awarded from the proceeds of the 2011 Mushroom Festival.

Vickie Pollert, Carla Willard, and Terry Forte greet guests

This year’s Spring Event was once again  held at Hartefeld National overlooking the rolling hills of Southern Chester County and the manicured green turf of the golf course. The theme, of course, was mushrooms– from the centerpieces to the hors d’oeurves, salads and main course, to the mushroom-shaped cookies made by Sunrise Cafe in Kennett Square. Board members Terry Forte, Vicki Pollert and event co-chair Carla Willard organized the event.

Michael Pia, Jr., Mushroom Festival President

Mushroom Festival Board President Michael Pia, Jr. welcomed guests. He announced the 2012 Mushroom Festival would be dedicated to the life and legacy of Harvey Crossan, a longtime Mushroom Festival supporter, volunteer and board member who passed away suddenly last November. Sonny Pizzini led the invocation.  Chris Alonzo, third generation mushroom grower, president of Pietro Mushrooms, and former Mushroom Festival Board member talked about the role of community in the mushroom industry. Alzono them presented the grants to the following organizations:

• ALS Association (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• The Arc of Chester County
• Avondale Fire Company No. 1
• Bournelyf Special Camp
• Camp Dreamcatcher
• Canine Partners for Life
• Domestic Violence Center
  

  Fellowship before dinner and program.

• Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation
• Friends Home in Kennett
• Friends of Tennis
• Good Neighbors
• Historic Kennett Square
• Kennett After School Association
• Kennett Area Community Service
• Kennett Area Park Authority
  

  Chris Alonzo, Pete Gray, and Rich Forte, all former Mushroom Festival board members and current volunteers.

• Kennett Area Parks and Recreation Board
• Kennett Area Senior Center
• Kennett Education Foundation
• Kennett Fire Company No. 1
• Kennett High School Friends of Music
• Kennett High School Walk in Knowledge
• Learning to Lead
• Lyme Disease Association of Southeastern PA
• Penn State Cooperative Extension
• Project Rake
• Quest Therapeutic Services, Inc.
• Smart Drive Foundation
• Southern Chester County Emergency Medical Services
• Spanish Health Ministry
• SPEAK Unlimited, Inc.
• The Garage Community and Youth Center (Kennett Square and West Grove) and Young Moms program
• Tick Tock Early Learning Center
• Together for Education

The Mushroom Festival also made three special donations:

• An honorarium in memory of Harvey Crossan for $1000 to the American Health Institute for Macro degeneration
• A donation to the City of Hope’s prostrate and breast cancer research program
• A $1000 to the Kennett Education Foundation as the 2011 Honorary Chairman’s (Leon Spencer)  Charity of Choice.

Learn more about how our 2012 Grant Recipients will use the funds they received to further their missions in the community on our Beneficiaries page.

Representatives from the organizations received Mushroom Festival grants in 2012.

Saturday, September 8, 10 am in the Special Events Tent

Deadline to enter: July 30, 2012

PRIZES:
1st Prize – $500 & Plaque
2nd Prize – Plaque
3rd Prize – Plaque

COMPLETE CONTEST RULES

ELIGIBILITY:  Open to all amateur cooks, twenty-one (21) years of age or older, who are residents of the United States, except members of The Mushroom Festival Committee and their immediate families, agencies and consultants of The Mushroom Festival and their immediate families. 

 DEADLINE:  All entries must be postmarked or FAX-dated by July 30, 2012.  Receipt of entries will not be acknowledged.

 RECIPE ENTRIES:

• Must be an original recipe.
• Must contain at least 4 ounces fresh mushrooms per 8-ounce serving
• May contain any variety or combination of varieties of fresh mushrooms cultivated in theUnited States.
• Mushrooms must be the dominant ingredient. Meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables may be used to flavor the soup, but cannot dominate or overshadow the main ingredient—mushrooms. Any stock can be used.
• Must contain no more than 12 ingredients (including water, salt and pepper). Ingredients must be readily available.
• Must take no longer than 1 hour to prepare, including cooking time.

JUDGING: 

• Recipes will be judged on originality, taste, appearance and ease of preparation.
• All entries will be screened and taste-tested by an expert panel, to select the cook-off finalists.
• Cook-off finalists will be notified by August 24, 2012. Non-finalists will not be notified.
• In the event that a selected finalist is unable to enter the cook-off, another finalist will be selected in his/her place. You may not have someone else prepare your recipe.
• The cook-off will be held at The Mushroom Festival(date and time still to be determined) where finalists will prepare their soup from start to finish.
• The Mushroom Festival will supply a double burner heating unit and a worktable for each contestant. The contestants must bring all ingredients for at least 4 servings, preparation and cooking utensils as well as the dish for presenting the soup to the judges.
• Final judging will be conducted by a panel of town officials, culinary professionals and Mushroom Festival Committee members. Panel of judges will not know the names of the finalists until the judging is completed. 
• The winners will be announced immediately following the judging.

HOW TO ENTER:

• All recipes must be clearly printed or typed on a separate sheet of paper.
• Only one (1) recipe may be submitted per person, so send in your best!
  • List each ingredient in order of use with the amount needed and clear directions for preparing the soup.
  • Write your name, address, and phone number at the top of the recipe you enter.

Return the application and recipe by mail, email or fax.

 Mail application and entries to: Mushroom Soup Cook-Off Contest, c/o The Mushroom Festival,  P.O. Box 1000, KennettSquare,PA19348

 Email application and entries to: themushroomfestival@gmail.com (place Amateur Soup  Contest in the subject line. A typed name in the signature box indicates you understand and accept the rules of the contest.      

 Fax entries to:    610-925-3374

REGULATIONS:

• The Mushroom Festival is not responsible for late, lost, damaged or misdirected mail or faxes or illegible entries.
• Liability for applicable federal, state or other taxes will be the sole responsibility of the individual winners.
• Contestants are responsible for all travel expenses to and from the contest.
• Only one prize will be given to an entrant.
• This contest is void where prohibited by law and is subject to all federal, state and local laws and regulations.
• Entries become the property of The Mushroom Festival, Inc. and cannot be returned.
• By entering the contest, all participants consent to the commercial use of their name, picture and recipe without additional compensation.
• Contestants agree to be bound to these official rules and the decisions of the judges.

Download the 2012 Amatuer Mushroom Soup Cook-off Contest Rules

Download the 2012 Amateur Mushroom Soup Cook-Off Application

2011 Amateur Mushroom Soup Cook-Off Results

Chianti Crimini Mushroom Soup with Blue Cheese Crostini, by Katie Hagerty of Garnet Valley, Pa.

The results of the 2011 Mushroom Soup Amateur Cook-off are:
First place: Chianti Crimini Mushroom Soup with Blue Cheese Crostini by Katie Hagerty of Garnet Valley, Pa.
Second place: Big Sam’s Italian Mushroom Soup, by Samuel Onizuk, of Elkton, Md.
Third Place: Harvest Pumpkin Soup by Becky Caruso of Potomac Falls,Va.

Other Finalists included:

• Fresh Mushroom-Caprese Soup, by Michelle Christensen, of State College, Pa.
• Rustic Mushroom and Shallot Soup, by Barbara Ruhmann, of Townsend, Del.
• Mushrooom and Swiss burger Bliss Soup, by Tina Verrelli, of Devon, PA.

2011 Mushroom Soup Cook-off Winning Recipe

 Chianti Crimini Mushroom Soup with Blue Cheese Crostini

 Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes

 Ingredients
24 oz. Sliced Crimini Mushrooms
1 Leek, white end, sliced crosswise
4T Olive oil
4 Cloves Garlic, minced
1 Shallot, finely chopped
2T (divided) Blue Cheese, crumbled
1/2 Cup Chianti (red wine)
48 oz. Beef Broth
1T Rosemary, fresh, finely chopped
Salt and Pepper—to taste
French Bread, sliced about ½-inch thick

 Directions:
Rinse Mushrooms in cool water to clean, slice thinly. Rinse Leeks in cool water clean, cut off white end and slice crosswise.

 Over medium heat in large pot, heat olive oil. Add garlic, sauté 1 minute. Add shallots sauté about 2- 3 minutes. When garlic begins to brown, add leeks and mushrooms, slightly reduce heat. Sauté another 8-10 minutes, until mushrooms are soft and begin to brown, stirring occasionally. Increase the heat back to medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of the crumbled blue cheese and let melt, about 1 minute. Add the Chianti wine and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the beef broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, add ½ tablespoon of the rosemary, and let cook for about 15 -20 minutes.

 While soup is cooking, preheat oven or toaster oven to 425-degrees F and slice the French bead. Mix together the remaining 1 tablespoon of blue cheese and ½ tablespoon of rosemary. Brush the sliced bread with a light layer of olive oil and top with the blue cheese rosemary mixture. Bake the bread for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown.

 Add salt and pepper to the soup. Cook over low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. Remove soup from heat. Pour into bowl and place blue cheese crostini on top. Garnish with fresh rosemary if desired.

Scenes from the 2011 Cook-off

Grant Applications are due at Mushroom Festival Office by Wednesday, February 15, 2012 5 p.m.

The Mushroom Festival Grant Application Packet should be submitted to:

• Mushroom Festival Grant Application
• Most recent 501(c)(3) ruling for your organization.
• Board of Directors list for your organization.
• A list of funders you will solicit for this program or item.
• A brief description of your organization and its purpose.
• Attach the most recently completed Form 990, 990-Z or explain why one was not filed.

General Directions/Suggestions

1. Please be specific when describing your need.  Funds requested for a general budget will not be considered.

2. Do not send additional information.

3. Grants will be announced by March 15, 2012

 4.  All grant recipients are expected to:

• Send a representative to the Spring Gala (date to be announced, tentative April 20) for the award presentation.
• Participate in the Mushroom Festival Parade (Friday evening, Sept. 7)
•  Return the required documentation form and receipts by December 31, 2012.

 5. Organizations that do not meet the above requirements will not be eligible for grants in 2013.

 6. Organizations receiving a Mushroom Festival Grant will be given the opportunity to have a booth (one of the days) on the street during the Mushroom Festival.

 7. NEW FOR 2012: Grant recipients are encouraged to participate in our Button-Up-A-Booth Volunteer Program. We’re asking organizations to man one of our booth locations for a 1/2-day shift. While working the shift you may display information about your organization at your booth.

If you have any questions you are encouraged to contact Kathi Lafferty, Festival Coordinator, by e-mail at klaff19757@aol.com  or by telephone at 610-925-3373.

Remember the deadline is February 15, 2012 at 5 p.m.

The 2012 Mushroom Festival Grant Application is now available online.

2012-grant-application-instructions (Word)

2012-grant-application-instructions(pdf)

Leon and his wife Kathryn, can be seen and heard at many events in the community, lending their voices to lead the national anthem, a Christmas carol, or the Kennett High School Alma Mater.

Leon Spencer is a great supporter of Kennett Square, the Mushroom Festival and the mushroom industry. He can be found lending his voice and his years of volunteer experience to many Kennett Square events and organizations throughout the year. Because of his dedication to the area and his positive influences in the community, the Mushroom Festival chose Leon Spencer as its 2011 Honorary Chairman.

Leon is most well-known for his leadership as the Mayor of Kennett Square for 11 years (1999 through January 2010). As Mayor, Leon championed great causes and programs to benefit the citizens of the community.

Leon grew up in Kennett Square and graduated from Kennett High School in 1968.

Leon Spencer received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Muskingum University in New Concord, Ohio and attended Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey for graduate studies in vocal pedagogy and choral conducting. He taught music in the Newark City and Gahanna-Jefferson public school districts in Ohio and was the director of music at the Second Presbyterian Church in Newark. As an Ohioan, he served on the boards of several organizations including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America and Kiwanis International.

Working for the betterment of our community since returning to Chester County in 1991, Leon served as vice president of the board for the Kennett Consolidated School District (KCSD) and was president of the board for the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). As well, he was secretary for the corporate board of the YMCA of the Brandywine Valley and was music director for Coatesville Presbyterian, New London Presbyterian and Kennett Presbyterian churches.

He currently serves as a member of the board for the Chester County School Authority (CCSA), the Chester County Regional Educational Service (CCRES), Kendal- Crosslands Communities (KCC), Kennett Area Community Development (KACD) and the vestry of the Episcopal Church of the Advent. As a member of the National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers (NASPAA), he announces football and basketball for Kennett High School, is a community liaison for the CCIU and is co-owner of Pro Musica Studio in Kennett Square. He resides in the borough with his wife Kathryn.

For the 2011 Mushroom Festival Leon will lead us all in a remembrance the events ten years ago on 9/11/01 during the Community Parade.

Jim Angelucci, 2010 Mushroom Festival Honorary Chairman

Jim Angelucci, 2010 Mushroom Festival Honorary Chairman

Jim Angelucci is one of Kennett Square’s mushroom ambassadors. Growing up in Kennett Square, his first job was cleaning mushroom beds. He started his own small mushroom farm in 1970 after leaving the Navy. In 1973 he joined Phillips Mushroom Farms as an assistant grower and currently is the general manager.

In the mushroom industry Jim served multiple terms on the board of the American Mushroom Institute and as chairman of the organization for three years. He is currently serving his fifth term on the National Mushroom Council, having served as president of this organization twice.

He also serves on various community boards in the Kennett Square area including the Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Chester County United Way.

For many years Jim Angelucci served on the Mushroom Festival’s Board of Directors and as its chair. Jim remembers the “olden days” when the Festival seemed to last a month. There were Mushroom Dinners at the Kennett Inn prepared by guest chefs from Philadelphia; there was the Art Show, which was held a different time from the Street Festival; and there was the pageant to crown the Festival Queen.

Jim also can’t believe this is only the 25^th Mushroom Festival. He thinks maybe it’s just been 25 years since we started keeping track!

Today, Jim can be found lending his expertise and support to the various projects associated with the Mushroom Festival.

For his dedication to the mushroom industry, Kennett Square, and the Mushroom Festival, it is a fitting tribute to have Jim as our Honorary Chairman for our Silver Celebration.

Location: Kennett High School

Presented by Chester County Radio Control Club

Watch the best of the best in model aeronautics take flight on the front lawn of Kennett High School (enter from S. Union Street).

FREE shuttles will be available after the show to take you to a Mushroom Festival entrance.

AMA Chartered Club #196

The people voted and the winner of the Best Mushroom Soup in the Delaware Valley for 2011 is Palette’s Restaurant and Lounge, from Wilmington, Delaware!  Congratulations to Executive Chef Jackie Losito and her staff.

New in 2011, a People’s Choice award was given for the Best Red Wine to Chaddsford Winery and the Best White Wine to Paradocx Vineyards.

Special thanks to the following restaurants for sharing their great mushroom soups. All were really delicious and the vote was really close!

• Kennett Square Inn
• Kennett Square Golf and Country Club (2010′s winner)
• Ole Tapas Lounge
• Palette’s Restaurant and Lounge
• Twelves Grill and Cafe

Special thanks to all the wineries who came to the Festival and shared their delicious wines.

• Black Walnut Winery
• Chaddsford Winery
• Flickerwood
• Paradocx
• Twin Brook Winery

Scenes from the 2011 Soup and Wine Event

The judges at work choosing the best entry in the Mushroom Judging competition.

Mushrooms waiting to be judged.

Visitors view the entries.

First place entries included:

• Agaricus Tills: Giorgio
• Agaricus Basket Fancy: White: Needham’s
• Agaricus Basket Medium: Giorgio
• Agaricus Basket Large: Giorgio
• Shiitake Tills: Michael Phillips
• Oyster Tills: Michael Phillips
• Oyster Tills: Yellow: Michael Phillips
• Crimini Tills: Giorgio
• Maitake Till: Phillips Mushroom Farms
• Other Cultivated: Pom-pom: Phillips Mushroom Farms
• Portabello Tills: Giorgio
• Portabello Tills: Sliced: Giorgio
• Shiitake Bulk: Michael Phillips
• Oyster Bulk: Michael Phillips
• Oyster Bulk: Yellow: Michael Phillips
• Crimini Bulk: Giorgio
• Maitake Bulk: Phillips Mushroom Farms
• Other Cultivated Bulk: Pom-pom: Phillips Mushroom Farms
• Portabello Bulk: Giorgio
• Agaricus Till: Giorgio

Scenes from the 2011 Festival

Many mushroom fans are also car fans and enjoy part of their time at the Mushroom Festival perusing the fantastic and unusual cars on display.

Register now for the 2012 Antique and Classic Car Show

If you have an antique or classic car entering in the Antique and Classic Car Show is a great way to spend a day!  You’ll park under the shade along Broad Street to share your treasure with our visitors. Commemorative dash plaques and t-shirts are given to the first 100 registrants. We’d love to see your car this year!  Download the 2012 Antique and Classic Car Show Registration Form here.

Download the 2012 Antique and Classic Car Show flyer here.

Scenes from the 2011 Antique and Classic Car Show

Guests perused about 40 beautifully restored and unique cars that lined Broad Street on Saturday.

Sunday, September 9 – First tour leaves at 11 am. Last tour leaves at 3:30 pm

Location: corner of N. Union Street and Linden Street (next to Parking Garage)

Pietro Mushroom's new state-of-the-art mushroom growing facility was Sunday's featured tour.

Only once a year does the public get the opportunity to tour a working mushroom farm and that is during the Mushroom Festival.

Visitors board a bus and are taken to one of the local farms where the mushroom growers take you through their growing process and then you are returned by bus to the Festival.

Timed tickets are sold for the mushroom farm tours on both days from the corner of N. Union and Linden streets.

On tour at Highland Oysters, Saturday, September 10, 2011

Scenes from Saturday, September 10, 2011′s tour of Highland Oysters