Here’s the chef scoop:

• All cooking must be done on-site, at the cook-off, which will be held in the barn structure at the food court.

• To qualify as hoppin’ john, the dish must contain black-eyed peas. Other ingredients are up to the chef — creativity is encouraged!

• Cooking will begin at 10:30am on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

• You’ll want to be sure to make enough hoppin’ John for all the tasters, since you are less likely to win if you run out and miss potential votes. We suggest at least 8-10 quarts.

• Winners will be decided by taster’s choice. Tasting will happen at 3:30pm.

• There is a $30 registration fee. This fee will also grant your admission to the festival for the weekend. Once you have begun cooking, you will be given a $15 refund, bringing the total paid to the same as other contestants.

• 1st Prize: $125      2nd: $75       3rd: $50