Pepper Fest 2026 Highlights
/Thank You!
A heartfelt THANK YOU to the individuals, participants, attendees, volunteers, vendors, and sponsors for your generous support of Pepper Fest 2026!
Scroll to see the highlights & competition winners from all of the 2026 Pepper Fest events.
2026 Pepper Fest Medallion Hunt - sponsored Edward Jones
Congratulations Jaclyn Crouch, the 2026 Pepper Fest Medallion Hunt Winner!
The 2026 Medallion was located on a fire hydrant in front of North Hudson Elementary.
Beer & Wine Tasting Competition - sponsored by Xcel Energy
Beer Competition Winners:
People’s Choice:
Judge’s Choice:
Wine Competition Winners:
Red Wine People’s Choice:
Red Wine Judge’s Choice:
White Wine People’s Choice:
White Wine Judge’s Choice:
Hot Sauce Competition
Results coming soon.
2026 Pepper Fest Grand Parade
Grand Marshal: Sue Dahm & Family
The Dahm family has been a cherished part of the North Hudson Pepper Festival for decades, with Sue playing a special role through her dedication, volunteerism, and community spirit. Sue has led the Pepper Eating Contests for many years and continues to compete today, making her a beloved part of one of Pepper Fest’s most memorable traditions.
The Dahm family’s Pepper Fest legacy also includes royalty. The late Stan Dahm served as the 2001 Pepper Fest King, while daughter Holly was crowned a 1998 Pepper Fest Princess. Holly went on to serve 14 years on the Pepper Fest Board of Directors, helping with merchandise, publicity, and the royalty program while mentoring future Pepper Fest ambassadors.
The family has also supported Pepper Fest through business sponsorships, foot races, and countless behind-the-scenes volunteer efforts. We’re proud to honor the Dahm family for their years of dedication and the lasting impact they’ve made on Pepper Fest.
Good Neighbors: Dan & Vickie Rasmussen
Good neighbors are the people who strengthen a community through their service, generosity, and commitment to others - and Dan and Vickie Rasmussen have embodied that spirit throughout their lives. Vickie served the community through her career at Hudson Hospital, while Dan helped shape generations of local students as a physical education teacher and through 50 years of teaching driver’s education.
Together, they have given countless hours to the community as crossing guards, softball coaches, and organizers of the North Hudson Pepper Festival softball tournament, which they helped run for many years. Their dedication to education, youth, and community service has made a lasting impact on generations of families in North Hudson and beyond. We’re proud to recognize Dan and Vickie for their years of service and for being true examples of what it means to be a Good Neighbor.
Parade Awards:
King Award: Spectrum Strong
Queen Award: Isanti Ambassadors
Pepper Award: St. Croix Valley Youth Mountain Bike Club
Eating Contests - sponsored by Village Inn Bar & Grill
Royalty Spaghetti Eating Champs: Isanti Ambassadors | Team Time: 6:09
Championship Spaghetti Eating Champs: Ink N Threadz | Team Time: 9:32
Championship Hot Pepper Eating Champs: Big Guys BBQ | Team Time: 2:13
Bean Bag Tournament - sponsored by CBD Hudson
Results coming soon.
Foot Races -
5K Top Male: Conor Mitchell | 00:23:45.11
5K Top Female: Lilian Rubenzer | Time: 00:21:34.21
10K Top Male: John Mitchell | Time: 00:40:03.42
10K Top Female: Hayden Kohn | Time: 00:47:01.16
Cooking Competition
Results coming soon.
2027 Royalty
King Scott Denning & Queen Bella Kendhammer
Princesses Kally Spivey, Lily Bartels & Izzy Hannack
Join us next August 20 - 21 - 22 for Pepper Fest 2027!
Congratulations 2027 Button Design Winner, Chad Wiertzema!
