Dinner Spinner

In a lively household where dinnertime decisions often sparked debates, one creative soul found the perfect solution—a Dinner Spinner. No more "I don't know, what do you want?" battles or endless back-and-forth. Instead, the family turned to this whimsical, carnival-style wheel, handcrafted with care and painted in bold, patriotic colors.

Each evening, the kids would gather around, their excitement building as someone took a deep breath and gave the wheel a mighty spin. The wooden dial clicked past BBQ, Chili, Roast, and Tacos, each option a delicious possibility. As the wheel slowed, the family held their breath—would it land on a favorite or send them on an unexpected culinary adventure?

One night, fate declared Meatloaf as the winner. Groans from the kids, cheers from Dad, and a knowing smile from Mom, who had already prepped the ingredients. Another evening, the spinner declared Pizza, igniting a celebration that ended with homemade dough-tossing and extra cheese for all.

What began as a simple tool became a beloved family tradition, adding laughter, suspense, and spontaneity to the dinner table. And so, night after night, the Dinner Spinner remained the ultimate tie-breaker, turning meals into moments and decisions into memories. (submitted by Aubrey Ridgeway for Americana 2025 contest)