Noodle chefs to compete in Dayton

Chefs will fire up their stoves in Old Town Dayton for the ninth annual Oodles of Noodles, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 15. 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, Dayton Valley Chamber of Commerce board member, which hosts the event.

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

Dayton Task Force will conduct 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.

This is also the first time there have been corporate sponsors, among them Nevada State Bank, Pro Image Cleaning, Comstock Home Finance, Pioneer Crossing Casino and Sierra Valley Mortgage.

"The sponsorships have allowed us to create a better event and it's exciting to see (Oodles of Noodles) grow," Myers said.

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. 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 underway. New this year was the Sweetheart Stroll, a progressive dinner in February and a harvest festival is 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.