First Cook-Off Event in Hot Springs
Noble Yard-Bird to Be Honored on May 12
HOT SPRINGS, AR, April 27, 2007. The yard-bird, unofficial state bird of Arkansas, will be the focus of attention Saturday, May 12, when Hot Springs hosts the first-ever Yard-Bird Cook-Off in the downtown historic district.
Teams will compete for awards and trophies as best at cooking chicken in its various wonderful manifestations.
Sponsored by the Hot Springs Downtown Merchants, the Yard-Bird Cook-Off will feature competition for first through third place in the barbecued chicken division and first and second place in the open division.
The event will be held at the Exchange Street Parking Deck across Central Avenue from historic Bathhouse Row. Judging of the chicken will begin at 1:30 p.m., and the public may purchase the cooked chicken, beans, slaw and bread for $4, starting at 2 p.m., according to Tom Daniel, president of the Downtown Association.
Beginning at 1 p.m., there will be a Cluck-Cluck Contest to determine who can best imitate the sound of a chicken. The Cluck-Cluck Contest will feature divisions for buck-buckers age 11 and under and 12 and older.
"We already have some great cook-off events in the downtown area throughout the year, including the Big Butt Cook-Off," Daniel said. "The Yard-Bird Cook-Off will round out our salute to meat in all its various and wonderful forms."
"All proceeds from the Yard-Bird Cook-Off go to the Downtown Association's annual Christmas lighting project," said Carroll Weatherford, a member of the contest's organizing committee. "This is a great opportunity to enjoy some great chicken dinners and help a wonderful cause at the same time."
For more information about the Cook-Off or to enter the cooking contest contact Suzanne Tucker at 501-624-3370.
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