Contestants wanted for Oodles of Noodles

Cook-off contestants are needed for the ninth annual Oodles of Noodles, from

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 15 in Old Town Dayton. More than 9,000 people are expected to attend.

"Our event this year will be bigger and better than before, but we do need more contestants," said Jojo Myers, member of the Dayton Valley Chamber of Commerce board, which hosts the event. "We're offering great cash prizes and packages for the winners."

There will be more to do and many new additions to this years' event, including a beer garden and for kids a climbing wall, bounce house and more in the parking lot of Gold Canyon Steakhouse.

Dayton Task Force will be conducting a health fair on Taylor Street and River Wranglers will offer a variety of conservation awareness booths on Logan Street, Myers said.

Expanded entertainment includes music by Silk and Steel, the Dayton High School Jazz Band, karate exhibitions and a shootout courtesy of Nevada Gunfighters. There will be no parade.

While so much is offered, the heart of the event is still the cook-off. The public can purchase tickets to receive 2-ounce tastes of the various entries, Myers said. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and younger.

Anyone interested in competing in the pasta cook-off must be registered by Friday, May 14. Cost is $50 for amateur cooks and $100 for professionals. No health permit is required.

Vendor booth fees cost $60 for chamber members and $80 for non-members.

Dayton Valley Chamber of Commerce has introduced some new events and has plans for others under way. New this year was the Sweetheart Stroll, a progressive dinner in February, and a harvest festival planned for October. Also look for tailgate parties at the high school this fall to benefit the school and a scavenger hunt planned for 2011.

For more information, to request registration forms or to volunteer, call Myers at 775-884-6161.