From Dr. Seuss’s, “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” to Joseph Heller’s, “Catch-22,” a lineup of favorite books were turned into culinary creations this week for the library’s second annual Edible Book Fest.
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By BRYCE MARTIN
Pioneer Editor | [email protected]
From Dr. Seuss’s, “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish,” to Joseph Heller’s, “Catch-22,” a lineup of favorite books were turned into culinary creations this week for the library’s second annual Edible Book Fest.
After last year’s delectable success with the Bowman Regional Public Library’s debut of the event, it was a no-brainer that it would return.
This year’s outing, held Tuesday in Bowman, saw more entries, with people quickly discovering their interest in making edible creations based on their favorite read.
Jennifer Wild, president of the library’s board of directors, brought the concept for the Edible Book Fest to the library last year.
While it wasn’t a new event, it was certainly new to Bowman.
She credited the idea to an advertisement for another community’s library that held a contest to celebrate reading —
and eating.
“It’s always fun to do things to show the creativity of the community. We live in a very creative place,” said Sarah Snavely, library director.
Ten entries — four submitted by children — were put on display for a panel of three local residents to judge.
Bowman resident Gina Harder won in two categories for her yellow, fondant wrapped re-creation of the titular character from the book, “Miss Spider’s Tea Party,” by David Kirk. She took the top award, for best in show, and for best overall artistic design.
Snavely decided to throw her abundant creativity into the mix this year and was winner of the funniest (or “punniest”) category, with her simple send-off of the book, “Press Here,” by Hervé Tullet.
The edible part of her submission was a single, miniature
angel food cake stuck to a canvas that replicated the book’s cover.
Peyton Peterson, 12, of Bowman, took the award for Best Youth Entry in the 12 years old and up category with her patriotic, marbled cake that honored stories about the presidents.
For the 11 years old and under category, Antonio Cortes of
Bowman won for his submission paying tribute to one of Dr. Seuss’s most popular short stories, “One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish.” His entry featured cupcakes decorated to resemble the multi-colored fish from the book.
After the judging was completed and the winners were announced, the eating commenced and smiling faces filled the library.
With snowballing interest, it’s likely the event will return for a third go next year.