Local Steak Cookoff Slated Saturday

Published October 08, 2012 2:36pm by Dustin Wright

Seminole residents need not to be alarmed when the sight of smoke rises from the southwest early Saturday morning.

The smoke soon-to-be in question will be coming from the first annual Bull Butter Ribeye Steak Cookoff.

"This is something I personally have been wanting to see done here for years, and we have finally got to the point of actually doing it," said Ted Wadzeck, co-creater of the event, which will be held at 471 FM 181 (the Charlie Dixon residence, landmarked with a white bull statue).

Patrons wishing to come watch teams cook at the event and listen to live musical entertainment from the Hometown Boys later Saturday evening will be charged a $10 cover fee, with proceeds from the fee being devoted to the Seminole Volunteer Fire Dept.

"This is something we feel will be a good time for everyone, from the cooks to those who just want to come out and watch these teams cook," said Wadzeck. "And, some of the teams may also cook some extras and provide samples."

Cash prizes will be given to the top three judged participants, with the top finisher receiving a paid entry to the 2013 Texas Steak Cookoff in Hico, which will be held in May.

"Having been to several cookoffs over the year, I have seen how something like this can help a community and give a community something to do, and that's something I feel we needed here in Seminole," said Wadzeck. "We hope to make this an annual event, and we hope to see this thing grow year after year."

Saturday's competition will begin with a 9 a.m. "Cooks Meeting," where participating teams will receive two ribeye steaks from contest officials for cooking -- one a practice steak and the second being the contest entry.

The first scheduled turn in, according to organizers, is slated for 11 a.m. with the announcement of the contest's top five qualifying teams coming at 12-noon.

The final go-round turn in is scheduled for 4 p.m., with the cookoff winners slated to be announced between 5 and 6 p.m.

A "Bean Shootout" will also be judged during Saturday's cookoff competition, with prizes being award to the top winners.

Those interested in making a weekend of the event, may rent recreational vehicle (RV) spots for $50, with move-in slated for Friday and move-out on Sunday.

Corporate sponsorships are also being sold for $100 for interested companies wishing to advertise at the event.

For more information about the cookoff, or for more information, contact Wadzeck (432) 209-0849; Todd Lee (432) 209-2230; or Charlie Dixon at (575) 441-4180.