Carnitas teams wanted for Festival de la Comunidad cook-off

By Jesse Loren Special to the Express The City of Winters is preparing to celebrate the 12th Annual Festival de la Comunidad on Saturday, Sept. 25 from 5 p.m.–10:30 p.m. at Rotary Park. The highlight of this event is the Carnitas Cook-Off and they are encouraging teams or families who have great carnitas recipes to participate in the Carnitas Cook-Off. The first prize of $300 will be awarded by the panel of judges, as well as a $200 dollar second place prize and a $150 dollar third place prize, plus the Best Decorated Booth will win $50. Please note the early deadline for all applications is Aug. 31. Space is limited to six teams of three. Spots will be reserved strictly on a first-come, first served basis. Teams will be provided with 80 pounds of pork and 50-pound box of lard on the morning of the cook-off. All other ingredients for the carnitas must be provided by the team. (Teams are advised to arrive at Rotary Park at 9:30 a.m. and commence cooking by 11 a.m.) Carnitas Cook-Off Participant Application Agreement forms and a $50 refundable deposit for the pork are due to Winters City Hall by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 31. Cook-Off forms can be found at City Hall (318 First St.), at El Pueblo Meat Market & Deli (43 Main St.) or by contacting Irene Goya Tweedt at 530-304-9423 or irenegtsfg@gmail.com. For more information visit http://www.cityofwinters.org/carnitas-festival/.