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For students who can brave the cold tomorrow evening, HopCat has the reward. 

In celebration of their anniversary on Saturday, the Lexington restaurant is offering free crack fries until 5 p.m. with purchases. The restaurant will also be tapping some special brews from local distilleries. 

“I’m excited about the different rarities we have on tap,” said Ben Poulson, general manager at HopCat.

“We’re going to have a lot of cool beers on,” Poulson said. “We’ve been holding on to (them) down in the cooler.”

Poulson said the restaurant has been busy today and plans on being open tomorrow for foodies and cat fans alike. 

“We’ll be here,” Poulson said. “If I have to come in and shovel us out, I will.”

HopCat will also be hosting a crack fries eating contest beginning at 1 p.m. Poulson said that he knows at least one professional eater is registered. 

The restaurant is asking people to register for the event, by phone or email, and to pay a $5 entry fee. Those interested can call 859-286-8647 or email [email protected] to enter. Those stopping in for a pint to ward off the chill can register this evening as well.

HopCat partnered with the Kentucky Equine Humane Center, and each $5 entry fee will be matched with a $5 donation to the center. 

First place winners receive a trip to the Michigan Summer Beer Festival, and a year of free crack fries. Poison said that once there they’ll represent the Lexington location in the grand finals for a chance to win $2,000. 

The second place winner receives a $100 gift card, and third place will take home a $25.