June 1st @ 10am

Calling all amateur catfish and hushpuppy fry cooks. We will be crowning the First Annual Arkansas Champion Catfish Cook and Hushpuppy Cook on June 1st at Greers Ferry LakeFest 2024.

This year the cook-off  is limited to 10 teams so get your entries in early.   

Separate trophies will be awarded to the best catfish and hushpuppies prepared.

Entry fee is $25.00 per team

Schedule: Subject to modification:

9AM: Teams can start setting up in cooking area.

10AM: Start prep and cooking.

Noon - 12:15PM: Turn in items for judging.

Rules:

1. Judging will be based on fried catfish and fried hushpuppies.  Other cooking methods are not permitted.

2. Teams can consist of up to 4 members.

3. Each team will receive 6 fillets that must be cooked on-site.

4. Hushpuppy batter can be prepared offsite but hushpuppies must be cooked onsite.

5. Each team must submit both catfish and hushpuppies.

6. Each team will submit 1 catfish fillet and 3 hushpuppies per judge {3 total} for evaluation in a numbered container provided by event to ensure blind judging.

7. Turn-in will be between 12:00-12:15 pm

8. Each team must provide cookers, heat sources, oil, seasonings, and utensils to prepare and cook fish and hushpuppies.

9. Each team must provide tent, tables, and chairs for cooking set up station

Judging:

1. There will be a panel of 3 judges and 1 alternate.

2. Judges will only know the entries by a team number to ensure blind judging results.

3. Judges will score fish and hushpuppies 1-9 on appearance, taste, and texture/crispiness.

Entry fee is $25.00 per team