Come and Take It Cook-Off

Fire up your grills and grab your spices — it’s time for the annual Come and Take It Cook-Off! Hosted by the Gonzales Noon Lions Club, this beloved Sunday tradition invites competitive cooks from across the region to show off their best recipes in a sizzling, family-friendly showdown. All ages are welcome, and the crowd is just as important as the cook teams. So whether you’re competing or taste-testing, there’s something for everyone!

🍴 Cook-Off Categories & Entry Fees

• T-Bone Steak (Steak provided) — $60
• Chili — $25
• Beans — $25
• Appetizer — $15
• Kids Pork Chop — $15
• Cocktail — $25

Registration Deadline: September 20, 2025

To enter, complete the registration form and submit it with payment by mail or hand delivery:

• 📬 Mail: Gonzales Noon Lions Club, PO Box 1881, Gonzales, TX 78629
• 📍 In-Person: Drop off at Gonzales Texas Farm Bureau (1731 Seydler St, Gonzales, TX 78629), Attention: Lion Britney Jones-Caka

💰 Sponsorship Opportunities

Support a great cause while putting your brand in front of a hungry crowd! Two sponsorship levels available:

• $500 Sponsor: Includes entry in all categories, logo on all promotional materials, and 6 branded team cooling cloths.
• $250 Sponsor: Includes entry in 3 categories of your choice, business name on signage, and 3 branded team cooling cloths.

Sponsorship Deadline: September 15, 2025

To sponsor, complete the sponsorship form and return with payment via the same mailing or in-person drop-off options listed above.

📞 Contact Info

Have questions or want more info?

• 📱 Lion Cynthia Green: (512) 284-3377
• 📱 Lion Charlie Gray: (830) 263-2614

This sizzling event is a true Sunday tradition — a chance for cooks to compete, families to gather, and the Gonzales community to show off its flavor and pride. Bring your appetite and your competitive spirit!

🧾 Cook-Off Info & Rules

🛠️ Set-Up | 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Event takes place in downtown Gonzales on 600 block of St. Paul Street and 400 block of St. George Street

• Use the intersection at St. George & St. Paul to drop off equipment.
• All vehicles must be removed by 10:00 a.m.
• Load-out resumes at 4:00 p.m.

📝 Team Check-In | 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

At the front of the Running M
Pick up containers and tickets for each category you’re competing in.

⏱️ Turn-In Times

• Appetizer – 11:00 a.m.
• Kids Pork Chop – 11:30 a.m.
• T-Bone Steak – Starting at 12:00 p.m. (Turn-in times assigned at check-in)
• Cocktails – 1:00 p.m.
• Chili – 2:00 p.m.
• Beans – 3:00 p.m.

🗺️ Turn-in location announced during check-in

🎭 Showmanship | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (or throughout event)

• Family-friendly decorations & costumes encouraged

• Judged on theme, costume, and crowd appeal

• Anonymous judges

• Keep music at a respectful volume

• Business promotion only allowed for paid sponsors

⚖️ General Rules

1. No business promotion unless you are a paid sponsor

2. No outside alcohol – Cocktails are for judges only, not for public sampling

3. No glass containers

4. No pets allowed

5. Set-up and breakdown only allowed during designated hours

6. Kids category must be 95% child effort – adult prep will disqualify

7. Clean up required – all coals, ash, and trash must be properly disposed of