LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Dec. 21, 2008)—The Dr. James A. Forrest Career & Technology Center is hosting its fourth annual Soup Cook-off on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, in the school's state-of-the-art kitchen. All proceeds from the Soup Cook-off will benefit Forrest Center programs and SkillsUSA student organization.
This year's contest has two age groups, a junior division for students and a senior division for adults.
Cooking begins at 3:00 p.m., with doors opening to the public at 5:30 p.m., and tasting/judging of the junior division starting at 6:00 p.m., followed by tasting/judging of the senior division.
The contest is open to the public. Community members are invited to sample the soups and be part of the event. Soups will be grouped in six categories and will be judged by expert chefs, local celebrities, and community leaders. A people's choice award will also be chosen by the public.
House soups will be provided by the Forrest Center's Culinary Arts students so visitors can enjoy a meal while attending the event.
Tickets for the contest and house soup sampling are available for the general public. Tickets are $5.00 per adult, $3.00 per student, and free for children under 4 years old.
The contest is open to the first 20 individuals or teams of up to three that register. Contestants will have use of the facility and will have access to necessary equipment, but will need to provide their own ingredients.
The Forrest Center's Graphic Communications program may produce a "Forrest Center Soup Cook-off Cookbook." If contestants want to be included in the cookbook, they must provide a copy of their recipe prior to the event. Inclusion is optional.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and organizations. Sponsors will be given free passes to the event and will be recognized during the event. The event may also be recorded and presented on SMCPS Channel 96, the school system's educational cable channel.
For more details, or for more information on registration or sponsorship, contact Mr. Ron Grosche by phone at 301-475-0242 or by email at rkgrosche (at) smcps.org.