Kelly Says

The cookoff season is really starting to kick off, and lots of new cooks are starting to show an interest in our pastime. I have been visiting with one new cook on a regular basis, and he asked an interesting question a few days ago; "What are the benefits of becoming a member of LSBS?"

After I thought about it for a little while, I gave him my thoughts on the subject.

For as little as $20 a year, you could become Cooker Of The Year! Sure, you have to go to lots of cookoffs, and you need to know how to cook pretty well, but you have to be a member to compete for the top honor.

Membership does have its privileges. Members get to vote! New rules, rule changes and any other business that needs to be considered can be brought up and possibly result in changes, but you have to be a member to be a part of that process.

 If you haven't seen the new LSBS pins, you need to. They are pretty cool and reasonably priced - ask a head judge, an officer or a member who has one and they'll tell you how to get your own.

Members also get a newsletter. It always has a schedule, recent cookoff results, pictures and all sorts of other interesting info. This months newsletter had a few recipes and some other cool stuff, but to find out what it is you'll have to join up.

Something I always look forward to in the newsletter is the current Cooker Of The Year standings. As the summer moves along and the competition gets tighter it's fun to see who's moved up in the points.

Another benefit of membership is this website. This website is free for members and non-members alike, and I hope it is informative and interesting, but it does cost real money to have the site hosted. Part of every membership fee goes to pay for the web space that we use.

So consider joining. There is a link on the left side of the page to an application that is quick and painless, or find a member at a cookoff - they'll be happy to get you the information you need.

The opinions listed here are those of Kelly Draper, and may not reflect the opinions of any other LSBS officers or members.