Cheese Showdown:

If you like cheese, fun and games, Watonga, Oklahoma will be the place to visit the weekend of Oct. 8-9. The Watonga Cheese Festival will be celebrated throughout the town with many different fun-filled activities for the family. Information booths will be located throughout the town to assist visitors. There will be no admission charged to attend the Cheese Festival.

One event that all ages are invited to participate is the Cheese Food Contest. No entry fee is charged for this event. The Cheese Food Contest will be held at the First Baptist Church on Noble. Food Contest entries may be brought to the contest each morning. Please note the change of location from previous years. The junior division (under 18 years of age) will enter from 9-10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 8 with judging at 11 a.m. The senior division (those over 18 years of age) will enter from 8-9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, with judging at 10 a.m. Rules are identical for both divisions. Each dish must contain at least 3 ounces of cheese or cheese products. At least one-half of the recipes must be brought for display, providing that the dish is presented in an attractive manner. Recipes for each dish must accompany the dish and be printed or typed on a card for display. Please use only one side of each card. There is only one entry per class allowed per person. Food entries will be released no earlier than 4 p.m. the day of each contest.

Cheese food recipes may be entered in the following classes: main dish, vegetable, breads, desserts, cheese snacks and salads. Cash awards, as well as ribbons, will be given to first through fifth places. Appropriate rosettes will be awarded to the grand and reserve champion in the junior and senior divisions.

The Watonga Cheese Food Contest is a one-of-akind contest. No entry fees are charged, any type of cheese is allowed for entry in the six different classes, the contest is open to any interested individuals and cash prizes are awarded to the top five placings. Search out your best, most innovative recipes using at least 3 ounces of cheese and enter this contest.

For more information concerning the Cheese Food Contest, contact Joy Rhodes, Cheese Food Contest Chairman at 580- 623-5195. More information about the contest and other Cheese Festival activities can be found at Watonga Chamber website.