What was supposed to be a fun photo contest ended up to be like a famed Chicago election of the past. Claims of fraud sprung up as 100s of votes were cast for a couple of Summer Fun Contest photos on the closing day Sunday.

Unless “Fanny Pack” or “Bob Marley” actually live around here, I personally found voting irregularities when I checked the registration. While I’m guessing it was not widespread, it was enough for us to have to change the rules in the last minute. While we will continue to have public select finalists, a panel of judges will select winners. We will have specific criteria to judge each photograph based on merit.

My appreciation goes out to all of those that submitted very good pictures. There were more than 700 posted on our website. Just go the Summer Fun Contest link at www.leaderpub.com to view. The grand prize winner will be announced online by this weekend and published in Tuesday’s newspapers.

Apple Festival

After a blustery rain festival last year, we were blessed with beautiful weather for the Apple Festival last weekend. I was able to view the parade just outside of our doors. Later that day, Leader Publications took charge of the baked apple goods judging. Several of us had the opportunity to sample cakes, pies, pastries and other goodies from the area’s finest home bakers. Yum!

It was great to see such a big turnout. The next big local festival will be Oct. 13 in Dowagiac. I hope to see you all at Under the Harvest Moon.

Edwardsburg expo

Last week, Leader Publications was at the Edwardsburg Chamber of Commerce’s annual business expo. We had a booth and were able to meet some great people. It was really nice to hear the positive feedback regarding the changes we have made in our newspapers over the last year. Food from area restaurants kept flowing from the kitchen served with a smile from the local Lions Club’s Leos.

One dish was better than the next. Again, yum!