The Black House is holding a Community Dessert Contest and Bake Sale on Saturday, June 27, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Black House executive director Jeanette Lowery says vendors are now being sought and individuals, groups, and businesses are invited to participate.
“This is the first year we’ve offered a dessert contest and bake sale,” said Lowery. “If it does well, we will do it again. We’re going to name first-, second- and third-place winners. The best dessert in McMinnville will earn bragging rights of course.”
While bakers will pay $25 and be given a 10-foot by 10-foot space on the grounds of the house to sell their items, the event is open to the public free of charge.
“Bakers get to keep all the money from their sales,” said Lowery. “The $25 will go into The Eagle Fund for the restoration and upkeep of The Black House.”
A panel of guest judges will be selecting the bakers who will received first-, second- and third-place certificates. Lowery plans to invite individuals such as Major Jimmy Haley, County Executive Herschel Wells, McMinnville Police Chief Bryan Denton, and Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny to judge.
Lowery says the community can take this opportunity to purchase baked goods for July 4.
“This would be a good time to purchase home-baked cakes or pies for July the Fourth,” she said. “You could take them home, freeze them and save them for your family celebrations over the holiday weekend.”
For more information or to reserve a place, call 507-8670 and leave a message including a phone number or call 931-607-4828 after 5 p.m. Reservations must be made before June 21. Participants will be able to begin setting up their booth after 8 a.m. on the day of the sale.
The Black House is the oldest remaining house in McMinnville. Jesse Coffee built it in 1825. It is named after Confederate surgeon Thomas Black (1837-1904), who purchased the home in the days after the Civil War and maintained his clinic and office there. His granddaughter, Jean Leonard, deeded the house and contents to the Eagle Fund for restoration in the mid-1980s. The house has been partially restored and includes many period furnishings throughout the home.
The Black House is located at 301 W. Main Street. It will be open for tours from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. during the event. Cost is $5 per person for age 6 and over. Admission is free for children under 6.