CONTESTANT INFORMATION
Thank you for your interest in Stewpot’s Taste of Mississippi!
We hope you will join us on Monday, April 13th at the Mississippi Trade Mart. Stewpot is immensely grateful for the businesses and restaurants that support this event by donating their time, food, energy, and resources. Below you will find information about what to expect as a Contestant at Taste of Mississippi. If you have any questions, please contact Chris Eason, Stewpot’s Director of Special Events & Communications, at ceason@stewpot.org. Registration forms are due by April 6, 2026.
Why Participate?
Gain Exposure
Showcase your restaurant to a diverse audience from all over Mississippi. Not only will you make a local impact, but you’ll also attract new customers and boost your visibility.
Marketing Benefits
As a participant, your restaurant will be featured in a pre-event press release, a social media post, and an e-blast sent to over 10,000 contacts. Plus, your restaurant will be showcased with signage at the event!
Support a Great Cause
All event proceeds benefit Stewpot’s 14 ministries, which provide vital services including food, shelter, and after-school programs to those in need in our community.
General Event Information
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Date & Time: The event runs from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM on April 13th, with set-up from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Sponsors and judges arrive at 6:30 PM.
How to Sign Up: Click Here to Register
Competitions: Compete for awards in Best Appetizer, Best Entree, Best Dessert, and Best Beverage. You can register for one or more categories. A panel of 30 judges will vote, and attendees will choose the People’s Choice Award.
Portions: You’ll provide 1,300 sample-sized servings (4-6 oz) to event attendees.
You will receive 4 event passes for the staff working the night of the event that will be given to you when you arrive to set up. Please let us know if you need additional passes for your staff by emailing ceason@stewpot.org.
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Stewpot will provide you with the following supplies below. Volunteers will be visiting your table throughout the event to restock any needed items.
1 8 ft. table
1 8 ft black tablecloth
2 Chairs
Plasticware
Bowls and/or plates
Napkins
1 trash can
Trash bags
*Please note: you are welcome to bring additional supplies (i.e. extra table, chairs) if you need more than what is provided
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Two Weeks Prior to Event: All restaurants should have their Registration Form completed
One Week Prior to Event: Restaurants receive their assigned location at event venue
3:00-6:00 p.m.: Contestants Set Up - Please check in right inside the front doors to the Mississippi Trade Mart.
6:30 p.m.: Sponsors arrive; Judges arrive to start voting
7:00 p.m.: Attendees enter the event and live music begins
8:00 p.m.: Voting Closes
9:00 p.m.: Winners are Announced
10:00 p.m.: Event Concludes
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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.
Judging will begin at 6:30 p.m. 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 9:00 p.m.
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If your company is unable to participate in Taste of Mississippi on April 13, 2026, please notify us no later than March 30, 2026. Because participating vendors are included in event advertising and promotions, timely notice helps us ensure an accurate and complete experience for our guests. Cancellations received after March 30, 2026, will be subject to a $150 fee, which will be applied as a donation to Stewpot Community Services.
We understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, and we truly appreciate your partnership and communication. Taste of Mississippi would not be possible without our participating vendors, and we are grateful for your commitment to the event.