The Hormel Historic Home is hosting the annual Foodie Throwdown this evening. This sold out event, now in its seventh year, will have six teams consisting of professional chefs and home cooks competing in main dish and dessert categories. The food will be judged by the attendees, who will pick a winner in each category.

While last year’s theme was a 125th anniversary party for George and Lillian Hormel, featuring historical re-enactors greeting guests as the famous couple, this year’s theme is a hoedown and will feature entertainment by the Silver Prairie Blue Grass Band.

According to Hormel Historic Home Director Holly Johnson, the teams competing this year are:

• The SPAMagic Duo Terri Bergstrom and Shelly Hovland;

• Father and daughter team Neal and Berghyn Hull;

• Hy-Vee Chef Kristine Wolner;

• Hoot and Ole’s Jeremy Olson with Kathi Finley of Just Take the Cake;

• Just Neighbors team of Leah Erickson and Kim Schulte; and

• Wicked Kitchen featuring Wade Kolander.

All of the teams come from Austin. With the exception of Olson and Finley, all of the teams competed last year.

According to Johnson, the Just Neighbors team won best dessert last year with a caramel apple crunch. The team from the Austin Country Club, who are not competing this year, won best main dish with a braised pork shank.

Although she would not reveal what will be on the menu this year, Johnson said that because the theme is a hoedown, attendees can expect western and barbecue style dishes.

“I like for details to be a surprise,” she said.

Johnson said attendees will also get the opportunity to bid on items from attractions around the state, including theatre tickets, casino packages and chef dinners.

The event will run from 6-9 p.m. this evening. Tickets were sold for $35; all money raised from the event will support the preservation and mission of the Hormel Historic Home.