Winning apple peeling contest peel nearly 23 feet long at Lake Co. Fair’s Franciscan Health Senior Day

Patricia Hochstetler of Goshen, Ind. always wanted to enter the apple peeling contests at county fairs but was too busy with her kids and their 4-H entries.

Now that they are grown, Hochstetler gave it a try and has won twice, including at Franciscan Health’s Senior Day at the Lake County Fair on Monday. Hochstetler’s winning peel beat out 10 competitors and was a whopping 273.25 inches, nearly 23 feet. Fair organizers believe her peel likely set a record.

The 2024 winner had a peel of 42 inches and the 2023 winner, 48.25 inches.

“I grew up peeling a lot of potatoes, but not apples,” Hochstetler said. “It was a lot of fun. I’m glad I did it.”

Hochstetler won a basket full of apple-themed prizes for her winning peel.

Franciscan Health Senior Day at the Lake County Fair features free admission for seniors 62 and older with free health screenings and information on a variety of Franciscan Health programs and senior services. Snacks, healthcare materials and giveaways are also included.

Franciscan served more than 300 seniors at this year’s event.