Annual grilled cheese challenge welcomes newcomers to community

The Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce is holding its 18th annual Newcomer’s Social at Sidney High School on Thursday.

This will mark the third year of the “Big Cheese Challenge,” a grilled cheese cook off.

The event is set for 5:30-7 p.m. this Thursday in the high school’s Commons Area.

The social originated to help new people to Sidney meet people, clubs and businesses in the community.

“It’s mainly about welcoming people into the community,” said Cheyenne County Chamber’s Bev Arellano. “It’s really a good time for people to find out what Sidney has to offer and what local businesses and organizations there are.”

The event is for those who are new to town within the last two years. Usually there are about 50 people who attend the social annually.

According to Arellano, there are 10 teams signed up to create their own signature sandwich in hopes of becoming the next “Big Cheese” of Cheyenne County.

“We rely on local organizations and businesses to sign up as teams,” Arellano said. “It’s just a fun thing to do. The newcomer’ and community members who attend are the ones who vote on who will win.”

There will also be games for kids, mini-door prizes and a name will be drawn for the grand prize of a smoker and grill combo.