HAWK SPRINGS – Although many geese flew across the sky in jagged “V” formation or gathered at area ponds and lakes Saturday, some cooked slowly in crockpots or were – literally – sandwiched between two pieces of gourmet bread and on display for judges’ keen eyes.
The 21st annual Hawk Springs Goose Cook-off took place last weekend at the Hawk Springs Community Center, where local chefs competed in soup/chili, jerky, appetizer and main dish categories.
Jamie Beightol, of LaGrange, earned first place this year for her corned Canadian cold cut sandwiches – a feat she’s managed to accomplish since 2016.
“I’ve always made my own corned beef at home, and I thought goose might taste good,” she said as she carefully arranged a plate of sandwiches Saturday.
“I really appreciate that this event is for the community,” Beightol added. “It benefits Hawk Springs.”
In fact, all funds raised from the event, which includes judging, public tasting, a live auction, gun raffle and entertainment, are used to improve Hawk Springs, according to the Goose Cook-off’s official website (goosecookoff.com).
“The money raised last year was used to purchase new street signs, new trees for the community, picnic tables and a basketball court,” the website reads. “Past money was used to help fund the sewer construction.”
“I like that it helps the community,” first-time competitor Tyler Werner of Yoder said of his decision to participate. Werner whipped up a batch of red goose chili over cheese enchiladas for his cook-off debut. “I’ve always been a hunter, so I thought, ‘Why not?’ It’s been a good (experience).”
Results of the 2018 Hawk Springs Goose Cook-off are as follows:
Soup/chili
First place: Chris Woodin
Second place: Kylie Llewellyn
Third place: Tim Toedter
Jerky
First place: Craig Feagler
Second place: Danny Sanchez
Third place: Craig Feagler
Appetizer
First place: Dillon Simmons
Second place: Ashley Shimic
Third place: Jo Smith
Main dish
First place: Jamie Beightol
Second place: Lori Hill and Val Grant
Third place: Bob Dietzler
Raffle winners
Savage Trophy Hunter-6.5 Creedmoor: Chet Howe
Deadwood trip: Larry Kaufman