29 September 2013

It has been another fun and busy weekend in Canton. The Service League of Cherokee County held their 29th Riverfest Arts and Crafts Festival in Boling Park. This annual fundraiser generates a tremendous amount of proceeds to assist children in need in Cherokee County. These 90 young women do an amazing job with this event, and I am always in awe of how well they organize and choreographed this event, and all without complaining at any time. I was honored to be asked by them to serve as a judge for the artists and craftsmen this year, so I spent Saturday morning reviewing all 130 exhibitors. I was impressed by the variety of arts and crafts from across the Southeast. I had a great time, and I was pleased to provide a very small amount of assistance in their great cause.

One of the most exciting things about Riverfest was the debut of their newest cookbook, "Gatherings & Traditions." I have all of their other cookbooks to date, and they feature delicious and easy to follow recipes from the League members. So I had no choice but to select a recipe for tonight's Sunday Supper! I was immediately drawn to my friend Wanda Roach's recipe for Beef Stroganoff on page 63. Wanda's reputation for great food is known far and wide, and her recipe did not disappoint. I look forward to trying many other recipes in this book, especially over the holidays when my friends and family gather in celebration and fellowship. There are no substitutions for a wonderful family and welcoming community, and I have found both in Canton.

For dessert, we indulged in more bounty from Riverfest – rum cakes from Rumtastic. I live for these delicious baked goods at Riverfest and Canton Festival of the Arts. If you have not tried one, you don't know what you're missing.

My campaign also participated in another great cause this weekend, the Angel Walk at Soleil Laurel Canyon. We have joined our friends in Soleil for this event the past three years, and the proceeds benefit the Angel House for young ladies in the community. Unfortunately, I was double booked with Riverfest, but Jeff, Cory and John represented Grant for Canton with style and grace. The event raised over $4,000, so congratulations to the residents of Soleil for another fine showing. I look forward to climbing the hill with you next year.

A pleasing supper of comfort food is exactly what I needed to prepare me for the hectic week ahead. We have some amazing new projects and clients at Grant Design Collaborative, and I have a campaign or city related event every night this week. The election can't be over soon enough, but I am enjoying the thoughtful and meaningful conversations I am having with Canton's fine citizens. They enjoy being heard, and I cherish the opportunities to listen.

Grant for Canton!

The Menu:

- Wanda Roach's Beef Stroganoff from "Gatherings & Traditions"

- Rumtastic Rum Cakes with Rum Infused Whipped Cream