Spaghetti lovers, take notice — your perfect night is fast approaching.

The second annual Great Spaghetti Challenge, benefiting the Rome-Floyd County Commission On Children & Youth, is scheduled for April 9 from 5 to 7:30 p.m., and teams from all over the county will be competing for the title of the best local spaghetti sauce.

The event is presented by the Rome-Floyd County Fire Department, and the lead sponsor is the downtown Business Improvement District.

Carol Willis, executive director of the RFCCCY, said because of the success of last year’s inaugural event at the Civic Center, the Spaghetti Challenge will be at The Forum this year.

“It was amazing how many people showed up last year, and I think we just outgrew the Civic Center,” Willis said. “John Mayes (Floyd County commissioner) said ‘You know, we should have this at The Forum.’ We looked at that option and decided we should definitely go with a bigger venue.”

Willis said organizers of last year’s event were only anticipating a few hundred people, but more than 800 hungry people showed up, helping raise more than $5,000 for the RFCCCY.

“Last year, we had 15 cook teams competing, and this year we hope to accept at least 25,” Willis said.

Teams can sign up by calling the RFCCCY at 706-232-0703 by April 5.

She said The Great Spaghetti Challenge has a sauce prepared by each team, and there will be competitions for both Judge’s Choice and People’s Choice awards. She said there is also an award for Best Presentation, as well as a “grudge match” between cook teams from the Rome City Commission and Floyd County Commission.

Tickets for The Great Spaghetti Challenge are $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger, and they may be purchased ahead of time by contacting the RFCCCY. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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