Tropical Storm Alex did not win this competition in Placencia! The sun was shining, the sea was blue and calm and the beach was full of people having a great time at the Placencia Lobsterfest!

On Sunday, June 27 at 3 p.m., the Old Master-Pickled Parrot Rum Punch Competition was held on the beach by the main tent in Placencia. Eldred (“Hollywood”) Neal of Old Master (L&R Liquors), was the Master of Ceremonies while Wende Bryan of the Pickled Parrot, Placencia, organized the entrants for the competition and the mixers for the rums. The competitors were required to furnish their own garnish and glass and, if they chose, were allowed to bring a secret non-alcoholic ingredient to add to their drink. A total of 8 people were entered into the contest and at 3 o’clock, the competition was on!

The first group of 4 to mix their rum drinks were Lita Rodgers, Jodie Karr, Dylan Bernard and Pam Thomas with Lisa Hendershot-Harding, Allie Smith, Jack Linker and Denise Williams in the second group. The judges for the competition were Rodney Griffiths (“Teach”/”Maestro”), Wini Mertens of the Artful Dodger, Connie Mullis (tourist) and Harald Wallen, owner of Wallens’ Market, Hardware and Rotarian. The rum drinks were getting mixed, the judges were really enjoying the tastings and the crowd was cheering everyone on! Finally, it came down to the final tally for the winners. Warren Coye, accountant of Belize City, did the scoring for the judging.

First place went to Lita with a very colorful and obviously tasty Old Master Extra Mature rum punch. Denise took second place with a beautiful garnish of pink ginger, using Old Master’s Coconut Rum. Third place was won by Pam of Jaguar Lanes who had a very original garnish of pineapple and cherries in the shape of a bowling pin! Well done!! All contestants won a shirt and bottle of rum with the first, second and third place winners receiving cash prizes also. Teach, Wini, Connie, Harald and Warren also received a bottle of rum for their excellent services. The Old Master team did a great job at the 2010 Placencia Lobsterfest as they supplied the rum for the competition and handed out key chains, pens and samples to passersby. Wende Bryan, of the Pickled Parrot, did a great job of organizing the Rum Punch competition and supplying all the juices for the contest.

Congratulations to all participants of the Old Master-Pickled Parrot Rum Punch Competition! A fabulous time was had by all!!