“Yankee Doodle went to town, carpooled with his cronies; he stuck some food in his mouth and called it Macaroni.” That’s right folks, even pre-Revolutionary British military officers sang about this momentous event.
Trinity United Methodist Church’s (TUMC) Mac ‘N’ Cheez Mania will take place on Saturday, April 11 from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
Professional chefs, teams and even children will be showcasing their homemade renditions of this classic cheesy goodness at the festival. The registration fee is $20 and the deadline is April 1 (form found at www.tumclr.org). Admission is $10 and tickets are available at the door or online.
Jamie Metcalf, member of TUMC and chairperson of the committee for this event, said that all of the proceeds from this festival will go toward organizations that benefit children’s hunger relief, health and education.
“(Our reverend) wanted Trinity to plan and host a food festival that would bring the Midtown and Little Rock Metro communities together while helping to fund some of the organizations we help at the same time,” Metcalf said.
According to Metcalf, they have not decided which organization they will donate the proceeds to but some options include Our House, the Arkansas Food Bank, Canvas Community, Brady Elementary and Hall High School.
The first annual Mac ‘N’ Cheez Mania will not only feature a large amount of macaroni, but there will be music and several activities to participate in as well.
“We have three local bands lined up to play during the event: a swing band, a string band and the band Messenger 7,” Metcalf said. “(We have) several activities planned for the kid-zone (including) face-painting and a petting zoo.”
Freshman Brandon Beghtol said he plans to attend the Mac ‘N’ Cheez Mania and is excited to try a variety of dishes.
“Having a mac ‘n’ cheese festival in Little Rock will be amazing,” Beghtol said. “I’m going to love trying all of the different recipes, cheeses, styles of cooking and mixtures of ingredients.”
Junior Ben Parrish also said he is enthusiastic about the event.
“Mac ‘n’ cheese is God’s gift to mankind,” Parrish said. “I’d be a complete and utter fool if I didn’t attend a festival dedicated to my one culinary love.”
Take a break from microwaveable macaroni bowls and chow down on some real mac ‘n’ cheese.
