A smashing good time
DEVIN HEILMAN/Press Dalton Gardens Mayor Steve Roberge, center, reacts as Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer launches grapes at him Saturday during a grape-stomping challenge at the “Stomp Out ALS” event for Matt’s Place Foundation at the Coeur d’Alene Cellars. Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson, right, joked that his opponents cheated and that “the contest was rigged” when Roberge won.
COEUR d’ALENE — Dalton Gardens Mayor Steve Roberge really knows how to squash the competition.
Rocking a red headband and showcasing some serious style, he was selected as the winner of the mayoral grape-stomping challenge Saturday during the "Stomp Out ALS" and HarvestFest benefit for the Matt's Place Foundation at Coeur d'Alene Cellars.
"I only regret that I only have two feet," Roberge said after demonstrating his karate skills for the amused crowd.
Roberge had fired some friendly shots at his fellow mayors on social media prior to the event, claiming his genetically large feet and rural lifestyle would give him the grape-smashing advantage.
Coeur d'Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer claimed that he was undefeated against his colleagues in challenges such as these. The last time he competed against other mayors, he came in first place for grabbing the most cash as it whipped around him in a money machine.
"I'm pretty good with money, but they just have a lot bigger feet," he said. "I'm not sure that they ever put them in their mouths, but they must not because their feet are so big they wouldn't fit in their mouths."
HarvestFest attendees roared with applause and laughter as Widmyer, Roberge and Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson went to work stomping grapes with their bare feet. Roberge flexed his biceps and showed off for the audience. This caused Widmyer to reach into his barrel and launch handfuls of grapes at Roberge, causing even more laughter.
Roberge won by applause, but Widmyer and Jacobson were both a bit sour grapes about it. Widmyer dumped a bucket of water on Roberge, who was not shy about his grape-stomping prowess, and Jacobson challenged the integrity of the contest.
"They cheated and it was rigged," he said with a smile.
Proceeds from the HarvestFest event will go to Matt's Place, which helps people with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) and their families. The nonprofit is putting finishing touches on its first ALS smart-house to accommodate a local ALS patient.
Matt Wild, who has ALS and founded Matt's Place, said he was glad the mayors came out for the challenge.
"It was fun to watch, for sure," he said. "To have this kind of support for the local community is just awesome."