Cyclocross - Ready to take the plunge and enter a 'First timer' race.

After reading a bit here and being encouraged to try it and frankly bored with the mtb and fixed gear. I'm planning on doing my first organized event. I got a decent bike that should serve me ok I figure ( Bridgestone xo 2) that is essentially my commuter rig, and if I like it well enough build up a dedicated cx bike in the spring. My main question is I need a decent shoe and pedal combo. I ride clips and straps for the most part, and run platforms on my 29er. I was never a big fan of spd stuff when I rode alot of mtb events. I'd assume a crank bros product would be a better option for mucky conditions. Planning to try and attend the upcoming event in NC, as a spectator see what various people are using.

Any pedal/shoe recomendations are welcomed, ideally I don't want to spend a crazy amount of cash.

I use Cranks Brothers on both of my bikes. I've got Smarties on my 'cross bike and Egg Beaters on my urban 29er, but that's mostly a leftover of how I had them setup for commuting before I started 'cross. After wasting a lot of time missing the clip in during races, I'm going to try the Egg Beaters for my next 'cross race. For some reason, even though they have no platform, I have an easier time clipping in to the Egg Beaters.

As for shoes, I've got Pearl Izumi Quest MTB shoes (on sale right now for $65 at REI (http://www.rei.com/product/765130)). It's a relatively low end option, I guess, but I've been really happy with them.

Crank Bros/ Eggbeaters

If you don't care about being competitive, and you're not used to clipless, I would just do your first couple races with platforms with no cages, especially if the courses in your area require a lot of clipping in and out. Once you get confident with your dismounts etc. try either the candies or the eggbeaters. Eggbeaters are easier to get in and out of, but the platform on the candies makes me feel more secure when I'm not clipped in.