As the Masters World Cup ends in McCall, the skiers will be treated to a banquet of western style barbecue before closing ceremonies on Friday, March 7.

As many as 1,000 athletes are expected to be served at the banquet, to be held at the race headquarters at Manchester Ice & Event Centre.

2008 Masters World Cup McCall, Idaho

"It's the culmination of six days of racing, and we want it to be a festive celebration," said Nicki Humphries of Edible Art Catering in McCall, who is in charge of making sure the banquet goes off without a hitch.

Humphries has lined up 100 volunteers, and the organizing committee has hired H&M Meats of Nampa to cook and serve the western-style barbecue that will feature marinated tri-tip beef and barbecue chicken.

U.S. and international skiers will be served potato salad, baked beans and cole slaw to go along with their entrees.

The organizing committee has a $35,000 budget for the banquet, Masters World Cup 2008 Executive Director Erin Roper said.

There are a limited number of $25 tickets that will be available for the banquet for people who did not race in the event, Roper said. For more information on tickets, contact the Masters World Cup at (208) 315-3600.

After the banquet, the closing ceremonies will commence. Lyle Nelson, a four-time Olympian in biathlon, will host the closing ceremonies, Roper said. There will be a short ceremony where the McCall organizing committee hands the World Masters Association flag to the 2009 Masters World Cup site team from Autrans, France.

After the closing ceremony, The Pinto Bennett Band will perform its brand of Americana Music encompassing country and western and bluegrass styles.

"Nordic skiers like to kick their heels up and dance," Humphries said.

"Pinto Bennett is the Johnny Cash of Idaho," said Brian Thomas of Common Ground Cafe, who booked Bennett to the event.

More information about the Masters World Cup, presented by Blackhawk, is available online at www.mwc2008.com