Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam, SPAM!

Can Spam, the ubiquitous low-cost processed meat, be more than just a pantry staple? This intriguing question took center stage at the Tom Robbins Day Spam-Carving Contest in Gilkey Square Saturday. Twelve talented carvers, generously sponsored by local organizations and community members, embraced the challenge of turning Spam into artistic masterpieces, captivating dozens of enthusiastic onlookers.

With a mere 15 minutes on the clock and two cans of Spam as their medium, participants wielded an array of creative tools to fashion their sculptures. This event stood out as a highlight of the Tom Robbins Day celebrations, a day dedicated to honoring the town's renowned resident author.

This creative idea had its roots in Robbins' legacy long before the local contest. Betsy Humphrey, its driving force, stumbled upon the concept after a friend and author, Jane Billinghurst, shared a visit to a Spam Museum in Minnesota on social media. A subsequent search led her to a 2019 article about the original Spam carving contests in Seattle's Pioneer Square in the 1980s. Robbins judged at least nine of them. Inspired by this, Humphrey decided to recreate the event.

The primary goal of the competition was to raise funds in Tom and his wife Alexa's name for a new after-school program at the La Conner Swinomish Library. "It will encompass everything cool, from theater and dance to literature and art. All things weird and wonderful for teens!" Humphrey explained, "We asked for $100 sponsorships ... . The sponsorships brought in $1,600 to kick off this program that Tom and Alexa have envisioned to be as fun as they are."

Peregrine O'Gormley brought five sponsors. He also won the contest's Slam Dunk Award.

Kathleen Faulkner, sponsored by the MoNA Board of Trustees, emphasized the importance of supporting local schools and expressed hope for the contest to become an annual tradition, stating, "Our schools need help and this is a great way to contribute."

Sponsoring the carvers were Skagit Cellars, the MoNA Trustees, Chop Shop, Cassera Galleries, Mary Rytland, Meg Holgate, Tower Arts Studio, Cherie Ware Braley, the La Conner Weekly News, Dakota Arts Mount Vernon, Terramar Brewstillery and Alexa Robbins. They sponsored Jay Bowen, Kathleen Faulkner, Todd Horton, Eve McCauley Chomiak, Peregrine O'Gormley, Kevin Paul, Sue Roberts, Steve Klein, Chris Theiss, Mandy Turner and Pieter and Lucy VanZanden, respectively.

The audience was as excited as the carvers. Jenny Baker praised the event as "a unique idea" and noted that "some of the carvers were very prepared." Her mother Judy described the crowd as "enthusiastic."

The quirky prizes ranged from Spam T-shirts, Spam cookbooks, of course, to Spam itself. Humphrey envisions the contest becoming an annual fixture with more substantial awards. This endeavor aims to draw artists from far and wide to the La Conner for years to come.

The first Tom Robbins Day Spam-Carving Contest not only showcased the town's artistic talent but also underscored the inventive spirit that defines La Conner's vibrant community.