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.