Cook-off looks like another fine feast

Paul Stackhouse, Outdoors, The Decatur Daily

Serving as a judge for the Alabama Wildlife Federation Cook-off last year at Ingalls Harbor, I was simply amazed at all of the dishes and recipes that came through the taste-test trailer. The dozen or so judges were constantly saying how the cooking teams once again out-did themselves. I personally had second helpings of some venison, turkey and fish plates.

Well, it’s that time of year again as the 15th edition of the AWF Cook-off will visit Ingalls Harbor on Oct. 5, 2010, with the outdoor chefs handing out their delicious plates beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The 2009 event had to be one of the biggest outdoor related parties that Decatur has ever seen. More than 1,200 outdoor enthusiasts came to enjoy all the fun and festivities.

“It will be tough trying to top last year’s cook-off, but we’re certainly going to give it a try,” said AWF’s Sam Glover last week. “We’re going to have more than 1,000 square feet of tent set up. That in itself means we’re expecting a lot. The way it’s looking, I look for us to have another fantastic get-together.”

Once again, AWF is seeking cooking teams to come in and prepare their outdoor dishes for everyone to enjoy. The cooking competition involves three categories, which are fish, fowl and game.

Besides the great food, there will be a deejay playing music. An ever-growing silent auction will be there, too.

Chances to win a Browning shotgun and other prizes will be available. Door prizes will be distributed, too.

One of the door prizes is a 12-gauge Remington 3-inch, 870 Express shotgun. A youth gun also will be given away along with Summit Tree Stands, a hard gun case and more.

Admission is $35 per couple/person at the gate. The admission price includes food and one membership in the Alabama Wildlife Federation.

The membership does include a year subscription to AWF’s outdoor magazine.

For ticket or cook team information, call David Thomas (256-606-4161), Glover (256-318-0157) or Jill Stone (256-318-4422). There is no admission fee for cooking teams or children under 15 years of age.

More Ingalls activities
The Alabama Bass Federation has selected Decatur, Wheeler Lake and Ingalls Harbor to host the 2010 annual Alabama Junior Bassmaster State Championship Tournament, where young anglers from across the state will vie for a chance at earning a berth in the Junior Bassmaster World Championship.

The state tournament is set for Sept. 25 from 8 a.m. through 2 p.m. The official weigh-in will be at 2:30 p.m. at Academy Sports located at 1205 Wimberly Drive S.W., in Decatur.

The event is sponsored by the Decatur/Morgan County Convention and Visitors Bureau and is hosted by the Bassmasters of North Alabama and their junior club (Junior Bassmasters of North Alabama).

“Ingalls Harbor has been the location for numerous professional fishing tournaments and now junior anglers from across Alabama will have the opportunity to fish where the pros have been competing and experience our world class fishing facility,” said Tami Reist, president of the DMCCVB in a release.

Alabama BASS Federation Nation members and major Elite Series or WBT PRO-Anglers will serve as boat captains for the tournament.

Once a junior member reaches the age of 11, they can begin competing against others in the program. The two age groups are 11-14 and 15-18.

For more information on the Junior Bassmaster State Championship, contact Alabama Bass Federation National Youth Director Bobby McDonald at 205-854-6246 or 205-903-0919 or visit albassfednation.com and click on “Youth”. Also, for further details you may contact the DMCCVB at 256-350-2028 or visit its website at decaturcvb.org and click on the “Things to Do” link.