By Joe Bachman

NEKOOSA — Allez Cuisine! Or in other words, “get to the kitchen!”

The 8th annual South Wood County Humane Society Iron Chef dinner & raffle event will kick off on June 8 at 5:00 p.m. at the Nekoosa Community Center, located at 416 Crestview Ln. Chefs representing local area restaurants will take part in a literal heated competition for the most intense cooking challenge of the year — and all for a great cause.

According to South Wood County Humane Society Director (SWCHS) Bridget Chariton, chef tables from Canteen, Nekoosa Public Schools, Baker Street Grill and Chat-R-Box are already sold out.

A shot of last year’s SCWHS Iron Chef event. (Photo: SWCHS Facebook)

“There’s limited seating with the other chefs as well — so if people are interested in tickets, don’t wait,” said Chariton. “We’ve seen the tickets sell quicker this year than in the past, which is great.”

A $50 ticket will get to into the dinner portion of the event, however, you don’t have to buy a meal ticket to take part. Lunch by the River kicks off on Thursday, June 8 at 11:30 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, and the SWCHS will be there with the many raffle baskets on display for that night’s event. Raffles and baskets include a vacation to Costa Rica, a “Stay-Cation”, a “Sportsmen’s Delight” package, “Travel Wisconsin” package, as well as a “Local Treasures” package.

Raffle tickets start at $5 each, or 5 for $20. After Lunch by the River wraps up, the chefs will learn the secret ingredient for the event, in which they’ll have only a a few short hours to prep their dishes for that night.

“We like to give the chefs recognition at Lunch by the River, and then at the dinner,” said Chariton. “It’s fun to display that for the community.”

The event will carry a tropical feel, as decor, signature drinks, and even a photo booth will follow suit with the summer theme. A DJ will also be on hand for music following the dinner, which will serve close to 200 people.

All proceeds will go towards the South Wood County Humane Society,. For more information, please call 715-423-0505. To purchase tickets, please visit BowWowMeow, located at 221 Lincoln St., Richard’s Liquors, located at 3033 8th St. South, or at next week’s Lunch by the River.