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More entertainment on menu for youth fair cook-off Think your barbecued chicken has got what it takes to tantalize the taste buds of discriminating judges? Well, if you want to put that poultry to the test, today is the last day to sign up for the hottest competition in the county. The annual Wharton County Youth Fair Barbecue Cook-off is still a month away, but today is the deadline for signing up a team. Event chairman Russell Machann said 103 teams have already committed. That's just five teams shy of last year's record number of participants. "We've got a lot of new teams," Machann said. "It's just amazing that our small fair has so much participation." Most come from within the borders of Wharton County, but a handful come from places like Rosenberg and Columbus. This year's teams apparently wanted a little more breathing room, renting two to three spaces each, Machann said. As in past years, the cook-off spans a two day period. This year it will be on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26. The first night is known as a "party" time, when visitors can sample barbecue, listen to music and enjoy adult beverages with the teams. Competition is held the following morning, beginning with the showmanship - also known as "Most Colorful" - contest at 10 a.m. "That's always a fun deal. We have more teams signed up for it this year," Machann said. Coinciding with the showmanship contest is the second annual tractor pull, which also begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26. Added to the event last year, it helped draw more visitors to the Crescent Fairgrounds. Meat judging begins at 2 p.m. Categories include beans, chili, brisket, ribs and chicken. An overall winner is named for the team that takes top honors in the most categories. The brisket winner gets a chance to compete against teams from across the state at the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo's cook-off. Last year's brisket winner was the Tejano Cookers. All proceeds from ticket sales - $7 each at the gate - and from entry fees go towards providing youth fair scholarships. "We want to try to get everybody to come out," Machann said. Anyone wishing to sign up for the contest should call the fair office at 677- 3350 by the end of today. |
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