Rhubarb pies, rhubarb floats, rhubarb jams and jellies -- even a rhubarb centerpiece contest -- all will be part of the 19th annual Rhubarb Festival.
The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 11 at University Lutheran Church, 2122 University Ave., in Grand Forks.
Sponsored by the church women's group, the Rhubarb Festival is the same weekend as the Grand Cities Arts Fest, which will be June 11-12 in downtown Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. The church is just a few blocks from the heart of downtown.
The Rhubarb Festival will feature a bake sale of rhubarb goodies such as fresh and frozen rhubarb pies, cheesecakes, jams and jellies, and a quilt and craft sale showcasing the talents of the University Lutheran congregation.
A salad luncheon serving fresh-made rhubarb floats and rhubarb desserts ($7 per person); and coffee and pie by the slice ($3) will be part of the event. You can pick up a copy of the church's rhubarb cookbook for $10.
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Church member Pauline Bondy started the Rhubarb Festival in 1992 as a fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity and to buy a new electric keyboard for the church, the church said. Since then, the Rhubarb Festival has brought together rhubarb lovers from all over the country and Canada.
The women of the church, with the help of the men's group, have continued every year since (except for the big flood year of 1997) to raise money for projects in the church, in the Grand Forks community and throughout the world.
And there's a new event this year, a rhubarb table centerpiece design contest, organized by Bondy. Centerpieces should follow these guidelines:
- They should use a unique recyclable or reusable container.
- They must include rhubarb and/or rhubarb leaves.
- Other flowers may be combined with the rhubarb.
There will be cash prizes for the top three entries. Judges will be Darlene Shea of Tim Shea Nursery, and master gardeners Bonnie Durrenberger and Sharon Criswell. Bring your entry to University Lutheran Church by 9 a.m. June 11.
"Let your creativity run wild," Bondy said. If you have any questions about the centerpiece contest, contact her at (701) 775-9254.
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For more information about the Rhubarb Festival, contact Lynn Kulack at (701) 772-5836, or Lara Dando at vandando@yahoo.com .
