Annual International Edible Book Festival
The Annual International Edible Book Festival, held downtown at the Hays Public Library on April 4, was a huge success. Book lovers tried their hand at creative baking inspired by their favorite author.
A total of thirteen entries were judged on their creativity and appetizing appeal. Six of those entries were in the youth category and the remaining seven were in the adult category. There were two awards given in each category; The Taster’s Choice Award, given to the entry that looks most appetizing, and the Eye Candy Award, given to the most creative interpretation of a book.
The Taster’s Choice winner in the Children’s Category was given to Aislinn Walters for her interpretation of Magic Treat House: Sweets on Saturday. Siblings Jude and Maysyn Tippy took home the Eye Candy Award for their take on There was an Old Lady that Swallowed a Fly. Eric Norris, at the Hays Public Library, stated “All of the entries in the youth category were creative but these two really stood out.”
The Adult Category was swept this year by Lisa and Steven Kite. Mrs. Kite was inspired by Watership Down and won the Taster’s Choice Award. Mr. Kite walked away with the Eye Candy Award for John Updikes, Rabbit is Rich, Rabbit Run and Rabbit at Rest. Kite creatively tied in bunny rabbit peeps to the titles of the books. Norris stated, “This interpretation was truly creative and well planned out!”
Next year the event will be held on April 3, 2010. However, there will be a new addition to the categories. A Business Category will be added to the Youth and Adult Categories. Businesses will be able to enter one edible book to be judged. The winner will receive an engraved traveling trophy along with bragging rights for one year. At the end of every year the trophy will be given back to the Hays Public Library to be awarded to the new winner. “We feel this will add a fun atmosphere to the contest. We hope that local businesses will take part in the delicious and creative fun,” Norris stated.
