Fall Festival September 15-20, 2008

Stew Contest September 20th, 2008 

 

The Hopkins County Fall Festival and World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest have been an annual event in Hopkins County since 1970. This county-wide fair and cook-off have, literally, entertained generations of local residents.  Link to http://www.hopkinscountyfallfestival.com

The Fall Festival begins on the second Saturday of September, each year, with the Stew Cook-off always on the third Saturday. Want'a have some authentic East Texas fun and enjoy all the delicious homemade stew you can eat? The cook-off features over 100 cooking teams competing for several thousand dollars in prize money. Cooking over open wood fires, the teams prepare hearty chicken and beef stews in huge cast-iron pots.

The cost for all-you-can-eat stew and fixin's is $5. Children under 6 eat free. Come early to enjoy the atmosphere as gingham and calico-clad ladies stir simmering pots and bearded men in denim and homespun stoke glowing campfires. Teams compete for prizes for "most appropriate heritage campsite and costumes", as well, in addition to the stew prizes. The Food Network's "All American Festivals" show featured the 2002 "World Champion Hopkins County Stew Contest highlights on their show in 2003. Other Fall Festival events include an Arts & Crafts Fair, Quilt Show, Commercial Exhibits and Livestock Show. A special feature of the festival is the "Starnight" performance of a major country & western performer live, on stage, in the Civic Center Auditorium. Starnight tickets are available by calling (903)885-8071.