“Givers of Harmony”
This year’s Harmony Labor Day Fair book is dedicated to Glen and Rosie Carlow. This will be the 25th year they have conducted a pie auction for the benefit of the Patriarchs Club and the Fair.
Back in 1991, Patriarchs Club members were - as always - looking for ways to raise money, and an auction was suggested. Rosie suggested a pie auction, with baked goods being donated by local people. All proceeds would go to the Patriarchs Club. The event was an immediate success.
The ride provider, Tommy Lee, was a retired accountant and a strong supporter of the Club and the Fair. He gave his ride personnel cash and told them to bid on pies. Recollections are that the highest-selling pie that first year was a pecan pie baked by Deb Lawrence. The auction took in a whopping $1,000 for community betterment projects, and a tradition was born.
Over the years, Glen and Rosie have had many interesting situations. Some years, they have had up to forty pies to auction. The baker of the highest-selling pie receives a ribbon for the Most Valuable Pie. Peanut butter pies have been very popular with bidders, and some come prepared with boxes for the many pies they plan to purchase.
Many, many bakers contribute pies to the auction each year. Rosie makes numerous phone calls soliciting pies, even picking them up on occasion. Some people don’t even wait to be asked, and some have contributed for many years. It’s an example of how the whole community comes together to promote the success of the Harmony Fair.
Glen and Rosie’s auctioneering style contributes greatly to the pie auction’s success. Their friendly banter with the crowd and between themselves is entertaining for all. They have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the benefit of the Fair and the Harmony community. Thank you, Glen and Rosie, for being true “Givers of Harmony”.