World Championship Meat Loaf Contest

From the Capital-Journal

Paxico business owners say they are expecting up to 1,500 people Saturday, June 18, at the town’s Meatloaf Festival.

This year, the festival’s eighth, will be the first in which the public will participate in judging of the “World Championship Meatloaf Cook-off Contest.” Eight teams — hailing from Alma, Rossville, Scranton, Topeka, Wamego and Paxico — have registered to compete, according to contest organizer Al Harris, owner of Fowl Territory antique store on Paxico’s Main Street.

Harris said that to the best of his knowledge, no other locale in the world hosts a meatloaf contest, which is why Paxico’s is titled the “world championship.”

For $5, Harris said, festivalgoers can purchase a bracelet that will allow them to taste-test each of the meatloaf contest’s entries. A penny vote placed in the teams’ buckets will determine the champion, he said.

Proceeds from the contest will benefit Paxico’s volunteer fire department, Harris said.

Larry Winkler, owner of Aunt Peg’s Antiques, said the festival will kick off with a parade at 10 a.m. Four food trucks will sell their fare downtown, and two wineries will offer free wine tasting.

The event also will include a flea market, carriage rides, kids’ activities, live music and a pie contest. Military vehicles from Fort Riley will be on display, and Paxico’s five downtown antique shops will be open for business.

Admission is free.