The Seventh Annual Crawfish Cookoff presented by the St. Paul’s Alumni Association will be held Saturday, April 16, 2016, from 1 to 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s School in the practice field between the Gene Bennett Sports Complex and the brick parking lot.

“I hope that the Crawfish Cook-Off serves to unite the St. Paul’s community with our alumni, families, and friends while integrating the local Covington community who has supported us so well over the years,” Alumni Director Al Nastasi said.

By far, the event’s largest feature is the all-you-can-eat crawfish boil competition with over 25 teams competing for glory, crawfish paddles, aprons, and crawfish trays. The Cook-Off features three distinct categories for the chefs to be judged in: Best Boiled Crawfish by People’s Choice, Best Boiled Crawfish by Judges’ Choice, and Best Decorated Booth.

The various teams are awarded first, second, and third place in each of the categories. Next, the judges compile all points earned and declare an overall winner based on the points awarded in previous categories.

“Third place winners win a gold crawfish platter with the event logo,” Nastasi said. “Second place winners receive an apron with the logo on it. The first place winner of the three categories will receive an engraved cypress paddle. The overall winner will win a free entry to next year’s event valued at $500.”

Alumni of the school have always been a crucial part of the event, and Nastasi hopes that this year will be no different.

“We’ve also linked (class) reunion weekend to the Crawfish Cook-Off over the last several years, where several of our reunion classes attended the event and build individual reunion plans around a St. Paul’s community event,” Nastasi said. “It is met with great success, and we’re pleased to have several alumni in attendance this year from class years ending in a one or a six.”

The Cook-Off is open to a variety of people including students, faculty, parents, and the entire community. Tickets are available in advance on the Alumni Association’s website or in the Alumni Office (985-892-3200 ext 1271). Tickets bought before the event are $25 for adults, $15 for youths age 13-18, $5 for children ages 7-12, and $15 for alumni who graduated in years ending in a one or a six. At the gate, tickets will be $30 for adults, $25 for ages 13-18, and $5 for ages 7-12. Children under 7 have free admission.