Photo courtesy of Kelley McCoy
Kelley McCoy, planner and organizer of the Great Christmas Cookie Contest steps up to the challenge, with much enthusiasm, as usual folks. The Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce event is Saturday, December 7, at 1pm at the Kern River Valley Senior Center.
McCoy who is a board member for the chamber said, “It’s our third annual, so I think it’s almost an official tradition.”
McCoy especially founded the Great Christmas Cookie Contest so that kids can be a special part of the chamber. She wanted kids to be able to come see Santa, in Lake Isabella if they’re unable to make it over to Kernville. She also said families can take pictures and use their phone. “I’m hoping to get gifts for the kids. The cookie that wins is truly voted on by the public,” said McCoy.
There is no way anyone can cheat or get preferential treatment in this contest because the public votes on the top three favorite cookie winners. Chamber members have voted on all the prizes received.
The Grocery Outlet is providing milk to go along with your delicious array of competing cookies. McCoy said, “It’s a free event. Everyone can come in and enjoy the music. There’ll be candy on the tables for the kids. Everything is free except for if you want to be an official cookie taster with an official voting ballot.” $10 buys each individual a bag for ten cookies, to be an official cookie taster, and a ballot to vote for the winning best cookie
Folks can probably expect an appearance by the Grinch and Mr. Christmas.
“We’re going to have a Craft Corner. The Kern River Valley Art Association is providing everything for that so the kids get to do a free arts and crafts session. Laura Tran will be doing that.”
All bakers have already been secured. So if you want to bake next year make sure you apply three weeks ahead of time. “They’re very competitive this year. There’s going to be ten bakers. And they’re all upping their game. They’re going to have extra special decorations for their themed tables. They’re going to have costumes. They’re in it to win it. And they want bragging rights,” said McCoy.
Categories at the event are Best Decorated Table, Best Team Spirit, and Chamber Choice Cookie. The big prize is the Greatest Christmas Cookie in the KRV, according to McCoy.
“There will be all kinds of fun things to do there. It will be festive, and happy, and people will be popping in to visit,” McCoy said.
