Plan for a Razzle Dazzle Fourth of July

This year’s Fourth of July celebration in Sewanee, a “Razzle Dazzle Fourth,” will include some of the community’s favorite events.

The second annual Fourth of July Pie-Eating contest will be at 1 p.m., Friday, July 4, in Guerry Garth. Contestants will vie for $100 in cash, as well as gift certificates, services and other great prizes as they eat their way to pie nirvana. Sign up early, as there are a limited number of spaces. A small fee of $5 per contestant will be charged to cover costs. Sign up by calling Ginny at 598-5205 or show up before the contest.

Returning after its 2013 rain delay, the Fourth of July Mutt Show will be in Manigault Park. 

Registration begins at 9 a.m.; the show begins at 10 a.m. Lizzie Duncan will be back as the show’s emcee. All dogs are welcome to compete—no talent necessary. 

The categories for this year’s show have changed: best dressed, Razzle Dazzle doggie, owner/dog look-alike, best trick and judges’ choice. Entrants may register for one category or one category plus judges’ choice. An entry form will be in upcoming issues of the Messenger.

Dr. Matt Petrilla’s fabulous trophies will be awarded to winners. In case of rain this year, the Mutt Show will be held in the indoor riding arena at the Equestrian Center.

The Fourth of July Cake Contest will offer two levels of competition. There will be a youth level, to include all bakers 12 years and under, and an adult level to include all bakers age 13 years and older.

Within each level, a prize will be awarded in each of three categories: best tasting, best decorated and best representation of the theme, “Razzle Dazzle Fourth of July.”

In addition to the three categories, a grand prize ($100) will be awarded to the best all-around cake. The best all-around prize is offered by acclaimed IvyWild Restaurant owner and chef Keri Moser, who will present the prize at 12 p.m. The winner of the best all- around cake will also have the opportunity to wear the winner’s special hat and ride in the parade.

Winners of the best tasting, best decorated and best representation of theme categories in the youth competition will each receive $5 and a Blue Chair Café gift certificate for two ice cream cones.

Winners of the best tasting, best decorated and best representation of theme categories in the adult competition will each receive a $50 IvyWild gift certificate.

Cake registration and set-up will take place from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. at the Blue House on University Avenue. Registration will close at 9:45 a.m., when the judging will begin. Winners will be announced at 12 p.m. Following the awards presentation, the community is invited to view and sample the cakes.

The contest is an annual event sponsored by the Sewanee Women’s Club with the generous co-sponsorship of IvyWild Restaurant and the Blue Chair Café and Tavern.

For more information call Flournoy Rogers at 598-0733 or Mandy Grubbs at (931) 691-4310.

People interested in being food vendors need to register by June 30. A limited number of spots are also available for Thursday night’s street dance festival downtown and at the Lake Cheston fireworks display Friday. All vendors must register to expedite proper placement along the parade route. Vendors not registered may not receive a placement area for either venue.

To register email <luwin@bell​south.net> with name, phone numbers, list of foods/drinks offered and email for the vendor distribution list that will provide more information. Because Sewanee is not incorporated, vendors are not required to have a business license.