A cook-off at this year’s Freedom Fest will benefit the Columbia Fire Department.
Fire Chief Jeff McKenzie said organizers are hopeful of a good turnout and seeking entrants for the July7 event.
“We have some folks interested and they’ve already received applications,” he said. “We hope to line Second Street west of Main Street with people cooking. The money raised will go toward equipment that we need.”
Registration for those who want to compete is $100. There is also a contest for the best-decorated red, white and blue themed booth.
“We’ve got three divisions,” McKenzie said. “The $100 entry fee lets you enter in all of them if you want, or you can just compete in one. Categories are chicken, ribs and Boston butt. You set up that morning and cook.”
According to McKenzie, chicken will be judged at 3 p.m., ribs at 3:30, and Boston butts at 4 p.m.
“Winners in each division will receive cash prizes,” he said. “For first place it’s $150, second, $100, third, $50, and honorable mentions receive $25.”
Those who want to sample the ribs will get a chance, too.
“If you get a ticket, you get a sample,” McKenzie said. “You can get five tickets for $5. You can buy as many as you want to try the different competitors. We’re calling those the ‘Fire Hot Taster Teaser’ tickets. Competitors can redeem the tickets that are collected for 50 cents apiece.”
McKenzie said that competitors need to bring a generator for power for their sites. Contestants will be set up along both sides of Second Street west of Main Street from the old police department (Main Street office) to City Hall, if needed.
The fire department also has other activities planned for Freedom Fest, which will run from 2 p.m. until dark in downtown Columbia.
“We’re going to get some things set up for the kids,” McKenzie said. “We’ll have an obstacle course set up in the lot by the police department.”
For more information on the firefighters’ cook-off or to get an entry form, contact Kathy Morgan at (601) 522-0312.
“Don’t delay,” McKenzie said. “Get fired up and sign up.”
