submitted by Russell Branham
TALLADEGA, Ala. – Local celebrities judges for the Saturday, Feb. 27, Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-Off at Talladega Superspeedway will be a “Who’s Who” of media personalities in central Alabama.
The judges will sample delicious recipes from more than 30 unbelievably talented Alabama cook-off teams, who will be ready to go with their grills, smokers, fryers and more. Some of Alabama’s most recognizable voices and faces will determine the winning cook teams in the 11th annual event. The official judges scheduled to be on hand are listed below:
Charles Daniel, Morning and Midday Meteorologist for ABC 33/40 (WBMA)
Mike Raita, Sports Anchor at ABC 33/40 (WBMA)
Al Ratcliffe, News Reporter at WIAT CBS 42
Guy Rawlings, News Anchor at WVTM NBC 13
Lisa Crane, Morning Anchor at WVTM NBC 13
Mike Dubberly, Anchor on Good Day Alabama FOX 6 News
Rick Karle, Sports Director & Anchor FOX 6 News
Matt Murphy, Host of the Matt Murphy Show on WAPI 1070 AM
Dollar Bill Lawson, Personality on 102.5 The Bull
Gregg Burgess, Personality on Rick and Bubba Show on WZZK
Cheryl Wray, Writer for Alabama Media Group (al.com)
Ryan Brown, Sports Talk Personality on 94.5 WJOX
Scot Harrison, Sports Talk Personality on 94.5 WJOX
Grady Sapp, Morning Talk Show Host on Thunder 92.7 WTDR
Chip Moore, Vice President – Head of Operations at First National Bank of Talladega
Families attending the event will be able to sample each wild game dish, which will be a part of three different categories: Fish, Fowl and Game. First, second and third place awards will be presented in each division, as well as a “Best Overall Winner” (Currently, there are 32 cook teams scheduled to be on hand and more expected). That team will be invited to the state finals held in Millbrook, AL, this summer to compete for the title of AWF 2016 Wild Game Cook-Off State Champion.
Held inside the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series garage area, the cook-off will feature unique food, beverages, entertainment and the highly anticipated LIVE and silent auctions, which will be featured in the center aisle of the garage and will be filled with autographed racing memorabilia, Auburn and Alabama collectibles, outdoor-themed artwork, live music, and much more. Tickets for the cook-off are $40 per person or $50 per couple, and kids 15 and under are admitted free. The cook-off begins at 4:00 pm.
In addition to the delectable food prepared by some of the best wild game chefs, another highlight of the day will be the chance to take a ride around the world’s biggest and baddest race track in Talladega Superspeedway’s official pace car (tickets for pace car rides are sold separately). While admission to the Cook-Off begins at 4:00 p.m., gates open earlier for the pace car rides, which will run from 3-4 p.m. Tickets for the pace car rides are $25 in advance or $40 the day of the event.
“This is a great event for fans and food lovers alike to come out and enjoy Talladega Superspeedway,” said track Chairman Grant Lynch. “We are extremely proud to have so many of our local media friends, who are known throughout our community, to judge the AWF Cook-Off, which provides a little something for everyone.”