Student Association sets Friday deadline for grilling competition

Contact: Morgan Tubbs

The Mississippi State University Student Association is sponsoring a three-tier grilling competition Oct. 4 as part of the Bulldog Bash Weekend celebration.

"Grill Your Bash Off" will get under way at 4 p.m. in Starkville's Historic Cotton District.

The competition will be divided into professional, Greek organization and community divisions. The professional division entry fee is $50; $25 each for the Greek and community divisions.

Friday [Sept. 27] is the application deadline. Forms must be completed before 5 p.m. at the Center for Student Activities in Suite 314, Colvard Student Union or online at www.msubulldogbash.com.

Only 10 applicants will advance to the actual competition. Finalists will be notified by e-mail and required to attend a Sept. 30 rules and regulations meeting.

Contestants will have two hours to prepare and cook original hamburgers. Judging will be based on taste, originality, presentation and degree of difficulty. Barbecue pits and turkey fryers are prohibited.

Each competing group must supply its own ingredients and utensils, as well as five copies of its recipe for a judging team made up of anonymous local "burger lovers." All necessary plates and cutlery required for food presentations also must be provided.

C Spire Wireless is making available grilling station tents for each team, though each team must provide its own station fire extinguisher.

Up to five extra points will be awarded for innovative grill station decorations.

Winners in the Greek and community divisions will each receive a 75-quart Yeti cooler donated by Ferguson Plumbing/PVC of Tupelo. Professional division winners will receive a plaque to be displayed in the team's restaurant.

Additionally, the winners of each division will be recognized during Bulldog Bash ceremonies, as well as during MSU's Oct. 5 home football game with Louisiana State University.

For more information, contact Tyler Camp at 662-325-2930 or cao@sa.msstate.edu.