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

Sit under the sycamore trees on Center Street and enjoy some of the region’s finest musicians and greatest bands

Saturday’s Schedule

10 to 11 am: Ocean Blues
You will truly enjoy The Becerra family of Kennett Square. We are happy to have them return to our stage and this time with a new fourth member. From the Beatles to Rihanna, we know you will enjoy this great show.  Check them out on YouTube

11:30 am to 12:30 pm:  The Rose Project
Local singer/songwriter Bill Rose also returns to Del’s stage for 2011. You will surely enjoy his mix of acoustic folk rock and original inspirational songs. Not to be missed on stage or on You Tube

1 to 2 pm: Fiorenza – Dowlin
Chester County’s favorite duo returns to the 2011 Mushroom Festival after a 3 year absence. Take a break under the shade trees of Center Street and enjoy this multi talented duo. Click the link for a sample

2:30 to 3:30 pm: Diverse
Zachary and Eddie are Diverse and with their hit song “When the Beat Drops” being played on WSTW your family will be thrilled with this music production. Be sure to come early for a good seat. On You Tube: search diverse pop group for lots of videos.

4 to 5 pm: Born Sisters
Krista and Kara were and are Born Sisters. We are so happy that they were able to work this Saturday performance into their busy schedule. Just back from a recording session in Nashville, Born Sisters will entertain you with a mix of country and pop songs both originals and covers. More at their website.

5:30 to 7 pm: Knockouts
Some changes in the past year for this local cover band. The last time they performed on Del’s Stage they were known as Proximity. With a new name and some new members lead vocalist Maurice Whiteside continues to nail the hottest songs of the day from Kings of Leon to the Killers to Rage Against the Machine.End day one of the 26th Mushroom Festival with the Knockouts. Check them out at www.theknockoutsband.com

Sunday’s Schedule

10 to 10:50 am: Marco Sordi
Marco Sordi will kick off Day 2 on Center Street with his amazing vocals and skilled guitar playing.. Hailing from Unionville we are privileged to have this local talent on Del’s Stage……find a seat and enjoy. Get a preview on YouTube

11 am to Noon: Eric Ashlar Blues Band
George Driesbach asked if would be OK to bring a few friends to our stage and do some jamming for an hour or so. What could we say but yes, yes and yes. On stage will be a mix of regulars from the Blues Night’s at the Kennett Flash and Wilmington…… this will be a show not to miss.

12:30 to 1:30 pm: Casey Alvarez Band
Back again this year the CAB are versital musicians that are sure please all ages. Casey’s vocals range from blues to southern rock to ordinals. Check them out on YouTube.

2 to 3:50 pm: RUST a tribute to Neil Young
RUST will make you feel like you are at a Neil Young concert. Recreating the unique acoustic and electric sound of Neil Young, and adding the unique sound of the Pedal Steel as performed by the late Ben Keith on many of Neil’s recordings, RUST take you from Young’s early work of the 1960′s to his latest releases. Check out this MySpace page.

3:10 to 4:00: Tuesday Night
Back by popular demand, this group of young rockers will amaze you with their musical ability and stage presence. Out of Malvern’s “Build a Band” program… Tuesday Night play current hits, classic rock of the 70′s and this year will be adding some of their latest originals.

4:30 to 5 pm: Subject to Change
Del just had to slip this band in to finish out the 26th Mushroom Festival. Fresh from a sell out show at the Flash this KSq band is just a sample of the many young talented musicians in our area. With a large fan base from the Union Street Garage we expect seats to be hard to find. Last call as our stage closes for 2011!

Scenes from the 2010 Festival

Date: Saturday, September 10, 2011 10 am to 4 pm

Place: South Broad Street

Fees:  Pregistration (9-2-11) $15 or Day of Event $18 (T-shirts and Commemorative Dash Plaques guaranteed to the first 100 registrations before 9-2-11).

Click here to download the 2011 Car Show Application.

Scenes from the 2010 Antique and Classic Car Show

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

Saturday, September 10 – 11 am to 4 pm

Sunday, September 11 – 11 am to 3:30 pm

Location: corner of N. Union Street and Linden Street

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 tours on both days from the corner of N. Union and Linden streets. Get your tickets when you first arrive as this event always sells out early. A limited number of tickets are available pre-festival at the Mushroom Cap (114 West State Street, Kennett Square).

Friday, September 9,  6 to 11 pm

Saturday, September 10,  3 to 11 pm

Sunday, September 11,  1 to 6 pm

Come enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and thrills of the Midway with rides, games, and all your favorite carnival foods as the Old-Fashioned Carnival returns to the Genesis Parking Lot for a second year.

Parking is available at the Kennett High School (100 East South Street).