Blueberry Cook-off Registration is Open!
A delicious entry from 2023. (Photo by David DeLaurier)
Registration is open for the Blueberry Cook-off competition that will be part of the 4th Forest Heights Blueberry Festival on Saturday, June 1, 2024.
This event has become a much-loved part of the festival with lots of incredible food for everyone to enjoy!
The competition will take place in the late morning (11 a.m.) to take advantage of cooler temperatures and bigger lunch-time appetites! The location is the grassy median of Holly Court, towards the back of the Forest Heights neighborhood, where we will set up tents, tables and chairs.
The only rule is that whatever you bake, brew, cook or otherwise prepare must include blueberries as a primary ingredient. The following awards will be given:
Most Delicious
Most Unusual
Best Presentation
Best Overall
Rebecca VanderPlaats is leading the event again this year with emcees Jeff Griggs and Jay Domingo. If you have any questions, reach out to Rebecca at rebeccavanderplaats@gmail.com.
Some cutlery and paper plates/bowls will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring whatever special bowls, plates, cups, etc. are needed to serve their creations. Participants are required to bring enough of their creation for three judges and the emcee. Plus, they’re encouraged to bring enough for onlookers to try.
Typically, there’s plenty of amazing food for everyone to enjoy!
As with last year, the number of participants will be limited! Participation is free, but registration is required.
This Year’s Judges
We have two new judges joining the panel this year!
Alix Langdon is stepping in for her husband, Donnie, who was a judge last year and is one of the Festival’s Home Services sponsors (Classic City Carpentry & Handiwork). Alix returned to Athens in 2018 after living in Phoenix for nearly 18 years, and she continues to work for an Arizona-based software company, LeaseHawk. Her hobbies include tennis, caring for her two dogs (Max and Jasmine) thrifting for treasures, and traveling.
Nony1 is an Athens rapper and entrepreneur, who has been making waves in the music industry with his dynamic rap style and captivating lyrics. He is the owner and operator of Nony’s Cheesecakes, more popularly known as Cheesecaketopia.
Rashe Malcolm is returning to judge again this year! Rahse has been part of the Athens community for many years. As the owner of Rashe’s Cuisine, she has brought us foods inspired by her life and family background in Jamaica and the Deep South since 1993. Rashe’s Cuisine now employs three generations of her family and offers a bevy of services including catering and cooking lessons. Rashe even has her own blend of coffee!
