Downtown Bloomfield was filled with sweet flavors, local talent and community spirit during our recent Jam and Jelly Competition, held in conjunction with the Bloomfield Farmers Market.
Twenty nine homemade jams and jellies were entered into the competition, giving community members the difficult—but delicious—job of tasting each entry and voting for their favorites. Awards recognized Best Overall, Most Unique Flavor, Most Nostalgic and Best Mixed Flavor.
Congratulations to this year’s winners:
Most unique: Alix Foster with Balsamic Onion
Most Nostalgic: Taylor Morton with Gooseberry
Best Mixed: Marissa Logterman with Peach Jalapeño
Best Over All: Blake Houston with Strawberry Lemonade
For just $1, participants received their tasting supplies and ballot, allowing everyone to serve as a judge. The competition provided a fun way to showcase the creativity of local cooks while encouraging visitors to slow down, visit with one another and enjoy a Saturday morning downtown.
The Jam and Jelly Competition was only one part of the morning’s activities. Visitors could shop for locally grown produce, baked goods and handmade products at the Bloomfield Farmers Market, enjoy food from J’s Curbside Cravings and listen to live music performed by Lee Klett. Young entrepreneurs also joined the festivities through the Kids Mini Market, giving them an opportunity to share their products and gain firsthand experience running a market booth.
Events like this may seem simple, but they play an important role in building a strong downtown. They create opportunities for local producers, musicians, food vendors, young entrepreneurs and businesses while giving residents and visitors another reason to gather in the heart of the community.
In Bloomfield, that gathering place is especially meaningful. The historic Bloomfield Square is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is centered around the Davis County Courthouse, completed in 1877. Surrounded by historic commercial buildings, the courthouse and square have served as the backdrop for community gatherings for generations.
When you attend an event in downtown Bloomfield, you are doing more than filling your Saturday morning. You are supporting local vendors, discovering small businesses and helping continue a long tradition of gathering on the square.
The Jam and Jelly Competition was a wonderful reminder that some of the best community experiences are built from simple ingredients: local talent, friendly competition, good food and neighbors enjoying time together.
Thank you to everyone who entered the competition, purchased a judging plate, visited the vendors and helped make the morning special. We look forward to bringing even more unique experiences to downtown Bloomfield!