Break out the cabbage. Grab the rice and meat - and start rolling.

The West End Fire & Rescue in Mahanoy City is having its first-ever halupki competition Saturday from their 700 W. Mahanoy St. headquarters.

And to set the tone, the Shenandoah All-Star Polka Band will play polka favorites, including their latest hit, “The Halupki Polka.”

Mark Lawrence, event organizer, said the idea for the halupki-and-polka meld came from a brainstorming session held by the company’s fundraising committee last year.

(And for those not familiar with the name, halupki is cabbage stuffed with ground meat and rice and topped with a tomato-based sauce).

“We were looking for something different,” Lawrence said.

In 2023, they planned a polka concert and boilo-making competition.

“We figured a good way to draw some local attention was to make it ‘Coal Region’ themed and what’s more Coal Region than polkas and boilo? It ended up being a success and everyone had a great time,” Lawrence explained.

The company wanted to keep part of the Coal Region flavor but switch things up this year. Plus, Lawrence said, The Shenandoah All-Star Polka Band had recently released its original song, “The Halupki Polka.”

“What better way to celebrate that than with a halupki competition,” Lawrence said.

All are invited, but those entering the contest must submit at least three halupki for judging. Registration for the halupki - and a happy hour - will be held from 6 to 7 p.m.

Lawrence isn’t sure what the entries might entail.

“Many folks also add veggies like onions and tomatoes to the meat and rice mixture. But just like boilo, everyone has their own favorite recipe and it’s usually a closely-guarded family secret,” he said. “Since this is our first time doing this competition, we’re not really sure what types of recipes to expect but we will accept anything.”

Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and the event runs until 10 p.m.

And yes, the fire company will be selling its own halupki along with other food, Lawrence said.

Winners will receive cash prizes.

“It’s honestly going to be a really fun time and it’s a great way to escape the stresses of life for a while,” he said. “Plus the proceeds go a great cause; it’ll help the fire company with maintenance and upkeep of life saving equipment.”

More information may be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/We5Fundraising.