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 11:30pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025.

• 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

  Registration opens July 1.