2026 Creasman Canning Award Winners
Special to the Harrison County Times-Reporter
The 2026 Creasman Canning Award Winners at the Harrison County Fair have been announced.
Jan Creasman has sponsored this award to support the Harrison County Fair Open Class Food and Nutrition Department since 2018.
“I grew up in a family that survived by raising a garden and preserving everything that came from the bountiful harvest. The award is named for my parents that taught me and my siblings the value of self preservation. Mom canned and preserved jams, jellies and butters from our orchard fruits. She pickled utilizing her crocks for fermenting sauerkraut and making dill pickles. She canned vegetables, which for our family was what allowed us to have food during the winter and spring,” she said.
“I became the superintendent for this department due to that understanding of the need for families to have skills for survival not only in the good times but the tough times.
Canning requires an understanding of picking your fruits and vegetables at their peak. Then preparing, packing your jar and processing it correctly for safety. If you have a garden or find yourself being offered produce, don’t let the goodness of the season go to waste. Jars are easily accessed at yard sales or thrift stores. Watch sales for jar flats. Utilize the library for instructions on canning,” she said.
Many people have taught themselves using the USDA Complete Guidelines for Canning, which Creasman calls the gold standard.
“I see canning is seen as an art, and when done correctly will allow your family to taste the love and the skill. Canning can be passed down by involving your children, grandchildren or your neighbors’ kids in the process. I started when I was old enough to stand on a chair and wash jars. Thus the respect and value of preserving was born in my life,” she said.
This year’s winners are:
Best of pickles: Nate Epperson – Dill pickles
Best of spreads: A tie this year. Sarah Epperson – Summer Solstice Preserves and Nate Epperson – Inferno Wine Jelly.
Best of fruits and vegetables: Rachel Hughes – Cherries
Each winner received a certificate, $25 cash and USDA Complete Guidelines for Canning. Please make sure to check the rules in the 2027 fair book.
