GRAND FORKS, N.D. — If you missed out on the great food and family-friendly atmosphere at the inaugural Sioux Tailgate Cook-off Challenge last spring, there is no reason to fret because the second edition promises to be even bigger and better. This year’s event is slated for Saturday, April 21 and will combine the region’s best food with Fighting Sioux football once again.
The cooking competition presented by the Greater Grand Forks Convention & Visitors Bureau begins early in the day as teams will begin strolling into the Alerus Center parking lots at 7 a.m.
The distinct aroma of grilled ribs and hamburgers will be hovering around until 3 p.m. when the day’s main event takes place inside the Alerus Center as the Green and White hold their annual Divide and Conquer Spring Game. The tailgate party also serves as the conclusion to the "Big Event", the largest annual single-day community service event completed by UND students, faculty and staff in the greater Grand Forks area.
The cooking teams will be vying for top prizes as they try to impress local celebrity judges in the second annual cooking competition. Area food vendors and restaurants can also get in on the action by participating in a “Taste of Grand Forks”. The vendors simply provide samples to fans in a People’s Choice Competition. Voting for this competition, which begins at Noon, will be conducted by the general public.
TIME LINE OF EVENTS
• 7 a.m. Tailgating lots open for competitors
• 11 a.m. Ribs, Burgers and People’s Choice food competition check-in begins
• Noon People's Choice fan judging begins, Fan activities begin (Live music, Sioux Kids Club party, interactive games)
• 1 p.m. Free kids sports clinic begins (ages K-8)
• 2 p.m. Burgers and Ribs judging begins
• 2:30 p.m. All judging completed, Gates open
• 3 p.m. Spring Football Game
Contest winners announced at halftime
Football fans wanting to participate in pre-game activities, but not wanting to compete in the cooking competitions can also tailgate for free on-site in designated areas.
While the Green and White are getting ready for the Spring Game and the cooking teams are prepping their delicious foods, fans will be able to enjoy live music, interactive games and bounce houses for kids throughout the tailgating area.
A free kid’s clinic featuring UND Athletes will take place at 1 p.m. inside the Alerus Center as well. Registration for the clinic opens at Noon inside the Main Entrance to the Alerus Center. Comfortable clothing appropriate for athletic activities is recommended; no cleats. All necessary equipment will be provided by UND Athletics.
Each participant will receive a free mini-football and a coupon good for discounted admission to the home opener on August 30th vs. South Dakota Mines. Parents will be required to fill out a Release and Waiver of Liability. In addition, the Sioux Kids Club end of the year party will also take place that day, in the parking lot.
Alerus Center gates open at 2:30 p.m. for the Spring Game with winners from the cooking competitions being announced at halftime.
Registration forms and full event details for both the Cook-off Challenge and the People’s Choice Competition are available on-line at www.FightingSioux.com. Deadline to register is Friday, April 13.
2012 football season tickets are available for UND’s inaugural season in the Big Sky Conference starting at $60 a seat. Reserve your seat today by calling 701-777-4582 or visiting www.FightingSioux.com.
– Go Sioux –
