‘Runnin’ Dogs & Cookin’ Cats’ Saturday

‘Runnin’ Dogs & Cookin’ Cats’ Saturday

Annual 5K, catfish cooking contest returns to ASU Mid- South

ralphhardin@gmail.com Last year, ASU Mid-South expanded its annual Greyhound 5K to include a full day of sporting activities, food-fixin’ competition, and family fun highlighted by a catfish cooking contest.

And thus was born “Runnin’ Dogs & Cookin’ Cats.” This year, the celebration returns, this Saturday, Oct.

1, and will again feature the traditional 5K, Pup Dash, and Kids’ Zone inflatables as well as a catfish cooking contest, live music, arts and crafts, recreational sporting events, a “Cheer Off,” and food/concessions.

All activities will be held on the ASU Mid-South campus at 2000 West Broadway in West Memphis, and has become a signature event for the college and the community.

All proceeds from the day’s events will go to fund athletic scholarships for the ASU Mid-South Greyhound basketball players, giving homegrown athletes an opportunity to compete against teams from Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Missouri. Southland Park Gaming and Racing returns as the presenting sponsor for the fifth year, with Flash Market and Steve’s Auto Body as platinumlevel sponsors. Gold sponsors include the Arkansas Greyhound Breeders Association and Steele-Guiltner Tire Pros.

The 5K run/walk features a flat/fast track around, through and near the campus. Registration is available at greyhound5k.racesonline.c om/register. The top three overall male and female finishers will take home cash awards ($250 for first, $100 for second, and $50 for third), and all participants will receive customdesigned T-shirts. Runners and walkers who complete the course will receive finisher medals. The Pup Dash returns for 2015, and youngsters of all ages will compete in this just-for-fun 400-meter event. All paid participants will receive a T-shirt and an award.

The Catfish Cooking Competition, sponsored by Southland Park and Center-Point Energy Arkansas, is open to all teams interested in showcasing their skills at preparing the classic Southern delicacy. The top catfish frying teams in the region will battle for bragging rights and cash prizes while competing in a variety of specialty categories. The entry fee is $100 and includes 12 pounds of boneless catfish fillets and participation in the People’s Choice event and two categories – Fried and Anything Catfish. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded for the best Fried Catfish and Best Anything Catfish. Additional competition categories include Catfish Tacos, Hushpuppies, Catfish Appetizer, and “Anything Fried.”

The Kids’ Zone features an inflatables “park” that is free and open to all youngsters interested in having some bouncing fun. Adults interested in some friendly competition are encouraged to register for the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament.

For folks who like live, free music, the Oct. 3 event will feature local bands, with KWEM Radio music will fill the air in between performances. For more information, contact Diane Hampton at ASU Mid-South, at dhampton@asumidsouth.

edu.

By Ralph Hardin