An un-baaahhhlieveable day at the farm! Fun for all at The Palace's Fall Extravaganza
by Alice IrwinOctober 2004: The epitome of a picture-perfect fall day - wall to wall sunshine, flawless blue skies, and a crisp-warm breeze - was the backdrop for a full day of fun with family and friends at Cracker Box Palace Farm Animal Haven's annual Fall Extravaganza at their new home at Alasa Farms in Alton. Early Saturday morning, a fleet of youthful volunteers descended on the farm to get the necessary farm animal feeding, cleaning, and general care chores out of the way and everyone was in the mood for a festive afternoon. Farm volunteers kicked off the hayrides as they jumped into the wagon pulled by Ethan Irwin's "new" 1941 John Deere Model H. Families enjoyed a leisurely ride along the rolling paths of Alasa Farms' orchards throughout the afternoon and generously offered donations to help support the farm's animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
Kids in Halloween garb lined up for costume judging, and it was a tough call for the judges. 1st place went to Christopher Lillis; 2nd went to his younger brother Michael Lillis. Nicholas Moon captured 3rd place and Alexander Moon came in 4th. Daniel Brown was awarded 5th place honors. The kids were presented with goodie bags filled with all kinds of toys, games, candy, and other fun stuff. The delicious aroma of chicken dinners, burgers, hots, and the most incredible spicy Southern sausage filled the air, and a line quickly formed to partake of the excellent fare prepared by Sharron Sims and her crew.
The announcement "It's time for Pumpkin Chuckin'!" sent kids and adults in a flurry over to the pasture where a huge crate of pumpkins awaited their fate. The target of the Chuckin' was a sometime-formerly proud Ford pickup, now without transmission, windows, engine, and countless other body parts that had been towed to the target zone by a grinning Burt Madison and Ron Hall. Cans of spray paint were deftly deployed by a group of young artists and the pickup looked splendid when they had completed their work. One by one, everyone lined up and hurled a pumpkin at the various bull's eyes painted on the truck as the crowd cheered them on. On the other pumpkin extreme, the Pumpkin Art Contest invited extravaganza-goers to vote on their favorite carved pumpkin on display. Contest winners included: 1st, Makenna McKeon; 2nd, Diane McKeon; 3rd, Bud Miller.
More "serious" fun continued as the Apple-Zucchini Bake Off judging commenced. Armed with plates of samples, forks, pencils, and score sheets the judges set about their formidable task. Judging categories included: "Looks"; "Taste"; "Can You Taste Apple"; "Can You Taste Zucchini"; "Creativity"; and "Is It Better Than Griff's." (It was only the beginning of the good natured ribbing of Griff that would continue throughout the evening.) Prizes were awarded to Chris Datthyn (1st place) for his Apple Zucchini Pie; 2nd place tied between Chris Datthyn's Zucchini Lasagna and Diane McKeon's Apple Zucchini Cake. Despite the judges' protests, there were no re-tastings allowed; following the judging entries headed to the auction block. Outstanding bid of the day went to Linda Kimball of Red Creek: $100 for the Zucchini Lasagna!! All funds from the auction were, again, earmarked for farm animal care.
As daylight waned, music courtesy of DJ Tracey Dustin cranked up in the barn and more costumed party goers came out to strut their stuff. "Griff Impersonators" were the order of the day, but his Mom knew who the real one was! Amidst the music of Willie Nelson, Pasty Cline, Johnny Cash, and Warren Zevon (Werewolves of London!), "hostess with the mostest" Cheri Roloson introduced the winners of the adult costume contest: Worst Costume, Jim Hoyt as himself (Auctioneer); Best Couple, Bud and Pam Miller (Electrical Plug and Socket); Best Canadian and European Tourist, Griff Mangan (as himself); Gee, It's Too Bad They Didn't Dress Up, Walter Roloson (as himself). Painted and garbed as a Celtic Warrior, "Ranch Hand Ron" swept the honors, receiving three awards including Best Men's Costume.
The Fall Extravaganza raised over $300, all of which will support the rescued residents of this remarkable farm animal haven who have been given a second chance at having a good life.
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