Porter Smith’s approach to breakfast has had its share of critics. 9-year-old fourth-graders at Earl Elementary handed out samples of breakfast bars with apple butter and honey on Saturday morning.
Smith was one of six finalists who put their healthy recipes to the test during the Kids’ Celebrity Chef competition at the 19th annual Health Fair at Boyertown Senior High School.
About 300 families attended this year’s fair, according to Jeff Schontz, executive director of the Boyertown Wellness Council, which sponsors the event.
“This event is really just about putting something on for the community to come and enjoy,” he said.
Smith Bars bought the cake for Jane McHugh, a judge for a children’s baking competition, and her husband, Tom.
“It was absolutely amazing,” Tom McHugh said.
Smith was one of six finalists. His baked oat cakes are packed with heart-healthy fiber and antioxidant-rich ingredients like honey.
He said he appreciates the opportunity to make many different things when he cooks or bakes.
Across the line, Eliana Bradley, armed with a chef’s hat and apron, singlehandedly held down her station and served dozens of hungry attendees “easy vegetable potato soup.”
Bradley, 10, of Colebrookdale Elementary, said she worked with her family to perfect the recipe. The results were undoubtedly delicious.
McHughes said they were impressed with how the combinations turned out and how well the kids handled the heat of the competition.
Jane McHugh, a retired elementary school teacher in the Exeter School District, said she thought the event was a great opportunity to explore part of what Boyertown has to offer.
“It’s a beautiful community,” she said. She mentioned that she and Tom were born and raised in Boyertown.
“The volunteering here is amazing,” said Tom McHugh.
The wellness fair events started in the morning with a kindness-themed, community impact walk and some friendly competition.
The annual beer competition saw families from local primary schools complete a round of the school route.
The school with the most thumbs up gets the “Healthy Bear”, a model bear with a moonlit trophy and a symbol of eternal well-being.
Another well-being-themed event was the Senior Walking Bingo, where several dozen seniors completed a circuit around the high school halls while hoping for a good year.
“It’s just for fun with the seniors,” said Kim Haas, director of the Spring Street Senior Center, which was in charge of the bingo walk. “We have some members here (playing), but not many. The goal is for them to come and see us.”
The center provides a place for seniors over 55 to socialize and have fun, with regular events such as live entertainment, dancing, bus tours, bingo and more.
It was among about 25 organizations and groups presenting information about their services at the event.
Jenny Craig, who writes poetry under the moniker Jenny Daughter of the Mountains, offers poetry as a healing service.
“It’s about healing through self-expression and connection,” she said.
She asked the participants to share what they had brought to the fair in one word, creating a list that she intended to combine into a poem.
Organizations at the event include BASD Pre-K Numbers, Bears Dean Fitness, CC Creatives, Compass Counseling & Associates, Foundation for Boyertown Education, Healthy Kids Walk Series, Healing Stages, Limerick Chiropractic Center, Phoenix Physical Therapy, Pottstown Regional Hospital, Pottstown Regional Hospital by Anderson and Sri Sri Tatua.
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