**MEDIA ALERT**     **PHOTO OPPORTUNITY**     **MEDIA ALERT**

National Beef Cook-Off® Comes to Rapid City

Twenty Finalists from All Over America To Compete for $110,000 in Cash and Prizes

What:               South Dakota is all about “great faces and great places” … now it’s about “great beef.” 

Twenty amateur chefs from across the country will go head to head after more than eight months of recipe experimentation, preparation and anticipation on Wednesday, September 21, 2005 in the National Beef Cook-Off®.  The national finalists will compete for over $100,000 in prize money and showcase their beef recipes to the world. 

For nearly thirty years, the Cook-Off has been America ’s premier amateur beef-cooking contest.  The Cook-Off is sponsored by America ’s Beef Producers in partnership with Albertsons.® 

What better place than Rapid City to celebrate this year’s Cook-Off?  South Dakotans are not new to the Cook-Off experience. Several contestants have participated throughout its history. The state also hosted the national contest in 1981 in Sioux Falls .  With its rich heritage and beef industry support, Rapid City was a natural fit to host this year’s event.  In fact, Governor Mike Rounds signed an official proclamation declaring September 19th as National Beef Cook-Off® Day.

                        About the Cook-Off

The National Beef Cook-Off® is a biennial contest created in 1974 by the American National CattleWomen, Inc. and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association on behalf of the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board and State Beef Councils.  The Cook-Off is sponsored by America ’s Beef Producers, through their $1-per-head checkoff in partnership with Albertsons®. 

During its 26-year tenure, the Cook-Off has received accolades and the support of many notable culinary experts.  American cooking icons Julia Child and James Beard were early supporters, serving as judges on numerous occasions.  The contest was held annually until 1993, when it switched to a biennial basis. 

This year the Cook-Off is focusing on the passion Americans have for beef and the special times they share when families enjoy beef dishes together.  To underscore the connection beef has with families, the Cook-Off has introduced a “Family Favorites” category this year, which showcases original beef recipes that families enjoy eating during the week or for a special occasion.

When:              Wednesday, September 21, 2005

8:00 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. MT (Live Competition)

7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. MT (Winner Announcement and Media Interviews)

Where:             Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center — 2111 North LaCrosse Street (I-90 at Exit 59)

Visuals/Interview Opportunities:         

·         The Cook-Off Competition – Witness the 20 finalists cooking their recipes, each in their own kitchen. 8:00 a.m. – 2:40 p.m. MT

·         Gala Awards Banquet – Join us when the winner is announced live. 7:00 –10:00 p.m. MT

·         One-on-One Interviews with “Best of Beef” Grand Prize and Category Winners as well as American National CattleWomen representatives – 10:00 p.m. MT

 

Contact:           Call Diane Booth now to reserve your spot at the Cook-Off!

Diane Booth /South Dakota Steering Committee                           
Tel: 605-733-2329                                                                                 

Email: dianebooth@yahoo.com