One of the city’s oldest businesses, Woeber Mustard Company, is combining with Visit Greater Springfield to celebrate one of the leading condiments with activities including a cook-off, wiener dog race and the introduction of a new beer.
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MustardFEST will be spread into Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company, 1-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. Admission is free and the event is family-friendly.
“We’re really trying to create a signature Springfield event, much like other regional events including the Pumpkin Festival, or Strawberry Festival,” said Chris Schutte, vice president, Destination Marketing + Communications for Visit Greater Springfield. “Events of this type can bring tens of thousands of people into your community and have a real economic impact. That’s what we’re striving for.”
Woeber Mustard will be the focus of a competitive recipe cook-off at 2 p.m. with each dish containing at least one type of the condiment and brand. Four judges will sample the items, which can range from appetizer, main dish, dip and others to earn cash prizes.
Local dachshunds will compete in the first Champion City Wiener Dog Race, racing a 25-yard course, also for prizes.
Mother Stewart’s will contribute to the theme with the introduction of a craft beer-flavored mustard made with its signature Wit beer.
“The brewery is an ideal location for a number of reasons,” Schutte said. “It has already become a community gathering place for a number of events and it has a slate of Oktoberfest activities planned that merge perfectly with the MustardFEST theme.”
Sampling stations, the Schmidt’s Sausage food truck and live music will add to the experience.
Schutte said this is just the beginning of what can become a unique Springfield fall event for years to come.
“We decided to ‘soft launch’ this year at Mother’s with an eye toward growing the event in subsequent years,” he said.
WANT TO GO?
What: MustardFEST
Where: Mother Stewart's Brewing Company, 109 W. North St., Springfield
When: Saturday, Sept. 29, 1-6 p.m.
Admission: Free
More info: www.facebook.com/events/255524385288788/
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