Aiken home builders association says thanks to legislators with a cook-off

The Home Builders Association of Aiken County plans the Aiken HBA Cook-Off to show its members' appreciation to state and local legislators.

The Aiken HBA Cook-Off will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the Big Red Barn at 207 Chime Bell Church Road. Admission is $10 for members and $15 for guests, which includes food tastings, beer and tea; the Association requests tickets be purchased in advance, with an R.S.V.P. date of Tuesday, Sept. 7.

"We do something for the legislators every year. In the past we've had a steak dinner at the Shrine Club, and the last couple of years we've had an oyster roast and barbecue. This year we just wanted to change things up a little bit," said HBA executive officer Mary Ellen Brush.

At press time eight restaurants have committed to take part in the event, with at least one more not yet confirmed. Bringing signature dishes to the table will be Papa Russ' Barbecue, Shangri-La Asian Cuisine from Augusta, Ga., Firehouse Subs, Honey Baked Ham, Mi Rancho Mexican Restaurants, Chris Fulmer's Tailgate Grill, Ferrando's Pizzeria and Desserves Bakery.

HBA members will vote on a People's Choice award for best dish, while legislators in attendance will vote on Best Presentation and Tastiest Dish. There will be a drawing for four V.I.P. tickets to Public Education Partners' upcoming Shooting and Shagging event, scheduled for Oct. 8 at Sage Valley Gun Club.

"It's a gesture to legislators to let them know first of all who we are - we have a membership a little over 200, we have 77 builders and the rest of the members are associates, which could be anyone involved in any way with the building industry - they come and we just show our legislators our appreciation for what they do."

For more information or to purchase tickets, call the HBA office at 641-6863, or e-mail Brush at mbrush@aikenbuilders.com.

Contact Suzanne Stone at sstone@aikenstandard.com.