Gonzales Noon Lions Club prepares for Winterfest Cookoff

The Gonzales Noon Lions Club will host its Winterfest Cookoff at Independence Square in downtown Gonzales this Saturday, Dec. 4. Although entry forms were being accepted by mail and through the Texas Farm Bureau, teams can still enter at the Alcalde Hotel between 8 and 10 a.m. on the morning of the cookoff. There are five competition categories this year, including Bloody Mary, stew, beans, local and the newest category: CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International) chili.  

“This is the first year that we’ve done CASI chili cooks as a category. We’re excited about their interest, and we would like everyone to come join us and support our scholarship program,” said cookoff committee chairperson Loretta Shirley.  

Judges are community volunteers. There will be nine judges for each category. Though some will overlap, there will be over 20 judges in total. It is up to the teams whether to offer samples to the public. Since teams can enter on the day of the cookoff, the number of teams participating is likely to grow. 

“Last year, we had 10 teams. Hopefully we will have even more this year. Come out and be a part of the fun,” said Lions Vice President Britany Caka, who is co-chairing the cookoff committee. 

The Lions Club will also have children’s activities set up for arts and crafts throughout the day.