There are two new contests that are added to this year’s Bell Tower Festival in Jefferson, which is taking place this weekend.

Jefferson Matters: A Main Street and Chamber Community Events Team Chair Philip Heisterkamp says one of the new competitions is a first-ever cook-off on Saturday. From 6am-4pm, contestants will make their best version of pork ribs. He describes the cash prizes for this inaugural contest.

“$1,000 for the winner on that, $300 for second place, third place even gets $100. It’s a $100 entry fee (and) with that you get your ribs provided. But then on top of that there will be a people’s choice award, which is also has a good some of money.”     

Heisterkamp says there will be three judges and for the people’s choice award, there will be free samples given out from 11am-3pm. He urges anyone interested in participating in the cook-off contest to pre-register, which you can click the link below to sign up. 

Heisterkamp adds another new contest is cowpie bingo. He says there will be 100 painted squares on the south side of Shadran Industrial Services on Washington Street, which must be pre-paid for before they release the cow.

“There will be a cow turned out at 2:30(pm) in a pen on top of these squares and wherever that cow makes a cowpie, if that’s your number – as you pre-bought that square – you will be the recipient of $1,000.”  

Heisterkamp says each square is $20 and can be purchased from any Greene County Cattlemen’s Association member or at Greater Life Health and Wellness and ShineOn Design/More Time.

Rib Cook-Off: https://form.jotform.com/210828337124149