Hopkins County Annual Stew Contest

Every year on the fourth Saturday of October Hopkins County hosts its annual Stew Contest. This year’s being the 54th anniversary the theme for the event will be the “Stew Bowl” which will inspire friendly (cutthroat) competition amongst the cooks this year.

This year there are 177 stew pots cooking which is the second most ever in the history of the festival following the 50th anniversary in 2019. Something new to look forward to this year is a new prize category belonging to “First Year Cooks”. With about a dozen first-year competitors, they will compete for a prize of one hundred dollars and the title of “Stewcomers”.

The long-time favored tradition leading up to the competition is the Friday night Tailgate Party which will include the appetizer contest and a postgame concert following the home football game with music by Dubb and the Luv machine. The concert will be on October 27, 2023, at Buford Park.

The vendor market will continue its presence on the south side of the park, including over 25 booths with a variety of items and services. The market will open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and will continue until about 1 p.m.

Tickets for the annual Stew Bowl will be available at the Chamber office and all local banks, lending provisions, and at Sabo Provisions. This year, thanks to the generosity of Signature Solar kids under twelve eat free! Adult tickets will be eight dollars each as usual thanks in part to Alliance Bank.

This annual event is a community favorite and is always sure to be a fun time for adults and children while also enjoying yummy stew. This year’s Stew Bowl is also an amazing way to support community engagement and local businesses.

Contributed By: Addison Caddell