Southwestern Oregon Community College and Oregon Coast Culinary Institute are hosting the national selection tryouts for the 2018 Gelato USA team. Professional chefs from all over the country are invited to showcase their skills during this competition to earn a spot on the roster to represent the United States and compete against the world’s best chefs. The tryouts are being held at the Oregon Coast Culinary Institute in Coos Bay, Oregon, March 16 -19, 2017. The members of the team will be selected according to regulations drawn up by the organization of the selection host country, which include four categories: Team Gelato Maker, Team Pastry Chef (Showpiece), Team Pastry Chef, and Team Ice Carver & Savory Chef. The World Gelato Championship, taking place January 20-24, 2018, is a highly prestigious event in the culinary industry. It is held every two years as part of the International Exhibition of Artisan Gelato, Confectionery and Bakery Goods in Rimini, Italy. The contest, marked by a growing interest from around the world, is streamed live in Italian and English for the duration of the event. More information and applications may be obtained by contacting; Team Manager Randy Torres CEC, ACC, 408-364-6328, randy.torres@socc.edu ; Team Coordinator Del Clark, 541-888-7195, del.clark@socc.edu