Second Stewfest set
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on August 5, 2005 1:45 PM
ALBERTSON -- Residents will now not only be able to find something good to read at their new library.
In November, there will be stew as well.
The library board met in the town's new facility Tuesday. The members' first order of business was to firm up plans for the second annual Jamboree and Stewfest, which is set for Nov. 5 at the new library.
Albertson is not an incorporated town and cannot partner with the county as a branch of the Duplin County Library, and communities in northeastern part of the county have formed a committee to open a private library. Chairman Janice Grady said the board named it the Northeast Duplin Communities Library to be inclusive and to not restrict access to just Albertson.
The library is housed in the former Peary Davis home at the intersection of N.C. 903 and N.C. 111.
It could have a new name when the library opens. A $50,000 donation earns the contributor naming rights.
The first Stewfest last year raised more than $16,000.
Ms. Grady said several of the 12 teams that cooked last year have signed up again, and there will be no entry fee.
Check-in begins at 8 a.m., with judging at 10:45 a.m. Taste tests and the sale of hot-dogs and soft drinks begin at 11:15 a.m., and entertainment begins at 1 p.m. An auction will be held at 3 p.m., and a quilt made by women at the nearby Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will be given away.
Board members said they ran out of food last year, because the samples were too big. Some didn't make it all the way through all of the samples, the board said. They got full too fast.
The samples will be smaller this year.For those with heartier appetites or a favorite recipe, you can buy a whole bowl of your favorite stew. There will also be a bake shop.