Exchange Club of Muskogee to host Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off
By CATHY SPAULDING Contributing Writer
Things will get pretty hot when the Exchange Club of Muskogee has its Chili and Barbecue Cook-Off on May 12-13 — and that ’ s not just food .
Dozens of cook teams seek to impress judges , plus tempt visitors to give them those all-important Crowd Pleasin ’ vote stubs .
This year ’ s cook-off , number 39 , will be May 12 at 6 p . m . and May 13 from 11 a . m . -5 p . m . at Muskogee ’ s Hatbox Field at 3601 Arline Ave .
Longtime Exchange Club Cook-Off chairman Robert Smith said people keep returning because “ they ’ re able to eat great food , listen to great music , have a lot of fun and raise a lot of money for local charities .”
Hatbox Field offers plenty of space for foodies to try chili , chicken , hot links , pulled pork , beans , and other meaty treats .
This year ’ s festivities open at 6 p . m . on May 12 with a free Cook ’ s Team Party . Karaoke will begin at 7 p . m .
Smith said the club is planning another Buffalo Wild Wings Hot Wings Challenge . Past challenges have involved competitors rushing to eat 10 chicken wings coated with a sauce made from Carolina Reaper peppers .
“ Maybe some celebrities will get involved with that again ,” he said .
On May 13 , the gates will open at 10:30 p . m ., and tasting will begin at 11 a . m . For $ 10 – or $ 5 for ages 4-12 and free for children under 3 – people get an admission wristband , along with taster kits and a set of Crowd Pleasin ’ voter ballots .
People can cool off at a beer garden , where they can listen to live music on the main stage .
There will also be a Kids Zone , where students from Zomac School of Music will perform throughout the day .
Smith said there will be ample parking , including designated parking for the handicapped . There also will be a shuttle service .
Between 4,000 and 5,000 came to the 2022 cook-off , which featured more than 50 cook teams .
The cook-off does more than satisfy people ’ s appetites . Through nearly 40 years , the Exchange Club of Muskogee has raised and given away nearly $ 1.5 million to local children ’ s charities that support the Exchange Club ’ s mission of child abuse prevention , youth services , and programs of service to Muskogee ’ s children in need .
The Exchange Club distributed nearly $ 55,000 in 2022 cook-off proceeds to 16 Muskogee area programs .
16 Green Country Scene • Volume 4 • Issue 2