The aroma of traditional Italian dishes will once again fill the air in Olde Daphne on Saturday evening, Nov. 10, when SEEDS, Daphne’s educational enrichment foundation, honors the city’s heritage at the third annual Mamma Mia Cook-off.

The event will take place under the stars from 6 to 9 p.m. on the grounds of Hutchinson, Moore and Rauch Engineering, at 2039 Main St., just across from W.O. Lott Park.

Matriarchs from throughout the area will rally their respective teams as they compete for Il Primo Premio (First Place) in either the corporate or non-profit division.

Culinary delights to be sampled by Mamma Mia guests — and rated by celebrity judges — include entries in four categories: Carne (meat), Sensa Carne (meatless), Pollo (chicken), and Frutti di Mare (seafood).

 Randy Davis and the Jubilee Orchestra will entertain the Mamma Mia crowd with their Big Band sounds while college football fans can view games on a large-screen televised broadcast throughout the evening. 

Advance tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased at the Daphne Recreation Department; Will Hughes Catering and Market; Hutchinson, Moore and Rauch Engineering; The Neighborhood School and The Frame Corner. Tickets at the gate will be $30 per person.

New features this year at Mamma Mia will include a fine-wine tasting event and homemade Italian desserts.

Event sponsorships are welcomed through Oct. 1 and all proceeds will benefit SEEDS’ ongoing classroom enrichment initiatives.  Local businesses or company groups, churches, civic or social organizations, and families or neighborhoods are also urged to consider forming a Mamma Mia team. 

Information about sponsorships, team guidelines, and a ticket order form may be downloaded at www.seedsindaphne.org.

SEEDS — Supporting Educational Enrichment in Daphne’s Schools — is an independent, non-profit education foundation that brings together citizens of all ages who value learning and share a vision for education’s role in Daphne’s future. 

SEEDS’ enrichment dollars are currently at work at Christ the King Catholic School and on each of Daphne’s five public school campuses.