First Shot Cook-Off ready to fire up next weekend

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The 13th annual First Shot Cook-Off is coming to J.B. Wells Park the weekend of Sept. 20-22, and organizers are anticipating a big turnout of cookers from all over the state of Texas.

Up to 60 teams are anticipated in the three-meat category, with another 30 teams anticipated in the chili cookoff and other categories.

“It should be a lot of fun,” said Shirley Breitschopf of Gonzales Elks Post 2413. “We have a climate-controlled facility, some vendors, and lots of great prizes to raffle off including a trip to the L-Auberge Casino and Resort (Lake Charles, LA), a rifle, a YETI cooler, and several other gift baskets and spices donated by J Bar B.

“Plus, we are a state designated championship cookoff, so the winner of our event can enter the national championship cook-offs at either the American Royal or the Jack Daniels Cook-Off in Lynchburg, Tennessee.”

Breitschopf said that teams will start rolling in mid-week, with festivities starting on Friday night and going through Sunday. In addition to the outstanding cook-off event, Breitschopf said there will be a tractor pull during the weekend in addition to the 6th annual Color Run/Walk in downtown Gonzales on September 21.

Kenny Hyden is operating the tractor pull, with practice runs set for Friday and actual competition starting on Saturday. The color run starts at 8 a.m. on Saturday (registration is at 7:30 a.m. at the Gonzales First Baptist/First United Methodist Church), with an entry fee of $15 per child and $25 per adult (over 18). Registration includes a free t-shirt. For more information on the run contact Coach Carrizales at (830) 672-8641.

This year the cook-off is introducing more food at JB Wells, with Bubba cooking hamburgers for sale on Friday and Saturday, along with breakfast on Saturday morning. There will be raffles and a 50/50 drawing on Saturday as well.

But the real star of the show is the cook-off. Over $10,000 in guaranteed purse will be up for grabs, with money plus a trophy for the top 10 places in each category, which includes Marcaroni (Friday), Three Meat, Jackpot Beans, CASI Chili and showmanship.

Breitschopf says she is excited about the early enthusiasm for this year’s event and encourages locals to come out and support the cookers and also to volunteer as judges for the various Cook-Off categories.

“If someone wants to be a judge, or if someone wants to get an entry into this year’s event, have them call me at 830-857-4142, or they can call Sissy Mills at 857-6247.
“In addition, camping hookups are only $30, and interested people should call the J.B. Wells office at 830-672-6558.”

Check in time for the cooking events is from 1-9 p.m. on Friday. For more information, go to the website at Firstshotcookoff.com.

All proceeds benefit the Elks Post charitable endeavors and the Gonzales Junior High athletics.

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Inquirer file photos

The 13th annual First Shot Cook-Off is set for Sept. 20-22. Money raised benefits the Elks Post charitable endeavors as well as the Gonzales Junior High athletic program.

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