$500 Collard Green Cook-Off

Rules & Regulation​​

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1. Eligibility & Entry

• Previous 1st place winners are ineligible to re-enter the competition.

• Registration Fee: A non-refundable fee of $50 is required, payable to Original Collard Greens Cultural Festival Inc.

• Deadline: All registration forms and payments must be received by Sep 25, 2026.

• Registration Requirements: Contestants must complete the official registration form, providing a full list of main ingredients for allergy awareness and a social media handle for promotional collaboration.

• Entry Note:  Providing Ingredients does not render your pot of greens tasting the same as any one else's. It's not just what you put in your Greens, it's how you cook them.

2. Dish Preparation & Submission

• Categories: Contestants may enter under Vegetarian, Vegan, Meat (No pork or red meat), or International categories.

• Restrictions: Submissions must be traditional cooked greens. Raw greens or unidentified "special recipes" are strictly prohibited.

• Labeling: The bottom of each dish must be clearly marked with the contestant's first and last name.

• Submission Logistics: Dishes must be delivered in an electric corded reheatable container (crockpot) containing enough for 25 small 4oz samples to the Cook-Off location by 1:00 p.m. on Sep 26, 2026.

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3. Judging & Awards

• Judging Schedule: Evaluation will take place on Saturday afternoon between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

• Crowning Ceremony: Winners will be announced on the main stage between 4:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• 1st Place Award: $500 cash prize, official 2026 festival Crown,  T-shirt, apron, certificate, and the title of "2026 Collard Green Cook-Off Winner."

  • Note: In the event of a tie, the cash prize will be split equally; both winners will receive a crown, apron, tshirt, and a certificate. "Big Check" will be used in this case  for display purposes only.

• Runners Up: 

  • The 1st Runner Up receives a T-shirt, certificate, and certificates Collard Greens Café gift card.

  • The 2nd Runner Up receives a certificate and a  T-shirt.

4. People’s Choice Award

• Voting: Begins immediately following the main judging and lasts for 30 minutes, concluding at 5:00 p.m.

• Process: Attendees vote for their favorite entry; volunteers will tally one sheet with a yes or no from attendees tally per dish they try.  All votes will be counted and the winner will be announced on the main stage once the tally is final. A special prize will be awarded to the winner.

5. Post-Event Responsibilities & Legal Disclaimer

• Cleanup: All contestants must retrieve their crockpots from the People's Choice location  by 5:00 p.m.

• Promotional Agreement: By entering, contestants agree to sign a waiver for likeness usage, make 4 social media posts promoting the festival, reposting all content tagged  you’re in, and return the following year to help crown the next winner.

• Compliance: Failure to fulfill promotional obligations will result in disqualification from future events.

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Disclaimer: This is a novelty contest. No legal actions may be taken against the Original Collard Greens Cultural Festival. Entry constitutes acceptance of all terms.