Posted by MYETX
Hushpuppies are Safe and Sound
LUFKIN- The Southern Hushpuppy Championships are returning for the 42nd consecutive year!
“As was reported a few weeks ago, the hushpuppy competition was almost lost this year, but has been saved when A-1 Party Rentals, Inc. stepped up and agreed to sponsor the competition”, according to Jerry Huffman, Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber President. “Clyde and Eva Dickens, owners of A-1 Party, are and have been great Chamber supporters for many years and just simply called and said they could not let this great tradition end. Our thanks to them for helping us carry on a long time Forest Festival tradition!”
A statement released by the Dickens explained why they chose to sponsor the event.
“A-1 Party Rentals, Inc. is super excited to be the Southern Hushpuppy Championships sponsor for the Texas State Forest Festival. Once we realized the opportunity was available to sponsor this long standing tradition, we called immediately and asked for the honor. We realize we have a hard act to follow and we plan to hit the ground running. Change is hard but necessary to meet new challenges and growth. Get your teams ready! Let’s fry hushpuppies! The competition is on!”
“A big thank you to A-1 Party Rentals, Inc. as our new sponsor for the Southern Hushpuppy Championships. We want to thank owners Clyde and Eva Dickens for stepping up as sponsors. Without their sponsorship, we would not have been able to continue this iconic event,” Texas State Forest Festival Committee Chairman Billy Ball said. “We all know that Clyde and Eva have a way of hosting a good time and they will add much to the Hushpuppy Championships!
Ball added. “Dig out your recipes and get ready, it won’t be long before the grease is hot and the puppies are cooking!”
The Southern Hushpuppy Championship takes place Saturday, September 21, 2013. Preliminary heats begin at 2:00 p.m. Hushpuppies are judged based on taste, uniqueness and appearance.
Team registrations are now being accepted until September 4. Put together a 4 person team; create your best hushpuppy recipe; cook it just right and win over the judges’ taste buds. A team must have a team name and theme to be carried throughout the competition with costumes, decorations and even music!
First prize winners of the event better have their maracas handy because they win a Fiesta Party for 20 people! Included in the party are the venue, food and beverages and the winning team will also receive $750 cash.
The second place prize includes $500, third place is $250 and showmanship receives $500.
The Southern Hushpuppy Championships is part of the five day Texas State Forest Festival in Lufkin, September 18-22. The Lufkin/Angelina County Chamber of Commerce hosts the event annually at the George H. Henderson, Jr. Exposition Center
Print an entry form and the official rules from TexasStateForestFestival.com. Mail entry form and $60 entry fee to Southern Hushpuppy Championships, 1615 S Chestnut, Lufkin, TX 75901.
