SIKESTON — Sikeston American Legion Post 114 and Auxiliary are preparing for their 11th annual poker run and cook-off competition.
Vickie Wilson, who helps plan the event, said the fundraiser, which is Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 at the Legion in Sikeston, is important because all proceeds from both days will benefit the Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.
“We do this every year for the Bloomfield veterans cemetery,” Wilson said. “They have a budget that they go by, and they have a lot of shortfalls where money is not available so we started the cook-offs to help with the shortfalls that they need to finish out their (annual) budget.”
According to Wilson, many people believe the cemetery is fully funded, but it is not.
“It’s not a federal cemetery; it’s a state cemetery so it’s just not fully funded so that’s why they have their budget,” Wilson said.
On Friday, the corn hole tournament will begin at 7 p.m and will be held indoors at the Legion. The fee is $40 per person.
Wilson said those interested in playing in the tournament should arrive before 7 p.m. to ensure a spot.
Ultimate Flooring will host a wing-war competition on Friday evening. Wilson said the cooking teams will prepare chicken wings and be judged on them.
“We will also have extra wings for people who are playing corn hole,” she said.
According to Wilson, all wings must be turned in by 8 p.m. The wing war competition takes place on Friday night of the event and has a 75% payback. Contestants will be provided with wings.
On Saturday, the Legion will hold their poker run, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. Admission costs $20 per bike, and $5 per passenger. There will also be prizes for the best and worst hands as well as the bike that travels the farthest.
Wilson clarified vehicles used do not have to be a motorcycle; it could also be a car, truck, van or side-by-side.
“It can be anything that is street legal,” Wilson said.
There will also be a cook-off competition on Saturday. Teams will begin cooking on Saturday morning and submit their meats for judging later in the day. The entry fee is $200 per team. All meats (pork butts, ribs, half chicken and pork chops) and Royal Oak charcoal will be provided for the competition. The cook-off winner will receive a $2,000 payout.
Wilson said anyone who participates in the cook-off competition can also compete in the mystery meat basket competition, which has no entry fee, and each team will have the option of participating in mystery meat cooking. The meat must be grilled in some form, and the prize is $200.
A live auction will take place at 4 p.m. Saturday.
“People really need to come out to the auction this year because there will be a lot of great items,” Wilson said.
According to Wilson, among the items to be auctioned include a framed Travis Kelce jersey with his autograph and a certificate of authenticity.
Pork steak plates will also be available for dine-in or carryout on Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. and lasting until they are gone for $10 per plate.