*The Great Cedar Rapids Sizzle Steak Cookoff

The Great Cedar Rapids Sizzle Steak Cookoff is an SCA (Steak Cookoff Association) sanctioned competition steak cooking contest scheduled to be held Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Hawkeye Downs here in Cedar Rapids. The event, which is in its third year, is projected to draw 40 competition cooking teams from across the Midwest. Team compete for cash prizes and trophies. The event also features a “Kids Fun Grill” coordinated in conjucntion with the Cedar Rapids and East Central Iowa chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. At the Kids Fun Grill activity 15 kids enrolled in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program learn first-hand how to safely and correctly form, season, and charcoal grill a hamburger patty. The kids and their sponsors then enjoy a lunch at the event as part of the activity. In addition, steaks cooked as part of the formal competition are donated to the Willis Dade Homeless Shelter and the Catholic Worker House Shelter along with side dishes for residents to enjoy for supper the evening of the event. The steak donation portion of the event is coordinated by HyVee of Cedar Rapids and Marion. Finally, proceeds from the event are directed to the Cedar Rapids Kiwanis Club in support of their sponsored annual services to youth of the community. The public is invited to the event and all area backyard cooks are invited to register and compete.