CONTESTANT INFORMATION

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 7th. 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 and 2024, 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.

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 by providing volunteers to help serve at your table.