CONTESTANT

INFORMATION

REGISTRATION FORM

FAQ

  • The event is from 7:00pm-10:00pm. Sponsors and judges may enter early starting at 6:30pm. Set-up is from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on April 8th. Please be ready to start serving at 6:30 p.m. when Early Sponsor Admission begins.

  • All contestants are asked to prepare 2,000 4oz servings. In 2023, 1,300+ guests attended the event. You must be prepared to stay for the event’s duration.

  • Stewpot will provide you with the following supplies:

    1 8ft. table

    1 8ft black tablecloth

    2 Chairs

    Plasticware

    Bowls and/or plates

    Napkins

    1 trash can

    Trash bags

    A suggested packing list will be emailed to all contestants for your convenience.

  • A team of judges will vote on the following categories: Best Appetizer, Best Entrée, Best Dessert, and Best Presentation. There will also be a People's Choice Award that will be chosen by the guests at the event who will vote on their phone.

    Judging will begin at 6:30 pm. Please look for and greet the judges. They will be wearing badges. Kindly explain to our guests that they will need to move to the front of your table’s line.

    Voting closes at 8:00 p.m. and the winners will be announced at 9:45 p.m.

  • No, there is no fee to participate. However, contestants are responsible for providing the food and labor to staff the event.

  • In previous years, we have provided the option to have volunteers serve at contestant tables. Because of repeated issues with reliability, we have decided to no longer offer this option. However, if you want to participate in Taste of Mississippi but are hindered by a staffing issue, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.