Perfect weather and a great day in the outdoors with good folks, good food and good music; the Avard 7th Annual Dutch Oven Cook Off and Fall Festival took place Saturday, October 1st.
An approximate attendance of 150-200 people throughout the day, the attendees were treated to hands-on demonstrations of the art of Dutch Oven cooking by an assortment of different competitors from all over the state of Oklahoma and a few from out of state.
This year’s competition was the first time for Avard’s annual event being sanctioned by the International Dutch Oven Society (IDOS). The potential for the event to become even bigger is established with this honor.
The cooking competition began at 8:00 am after a complementary biscuits and sausage gravy breakfast for the competitors and venders at the event location. The vittles were praised by one and all as the best way to start the day, along with hot coffee!
Shortly after the Dutchy enthusiasts got rolling in their prep and fires, the appearance of a white stretch limousine pulling up to the event was a sight to see! The MC of the day arrived – “Faux” Paula Deen, portrayed by a local resident. Throughout the day “Faux” Paula entertained the crowd with her impersonation of the Food Network star and it must be said that some folks went away believing that the “Real Deal” Paula Deen had come all the way to Avard, Oklahoma to spend the day!
A young man by the name of “CD Hall” provided country music and song of outstanding quality. A few venders showing their wares and a kiddie area full of games and prizes made for a day of enjoyment for all ages.
Later the arrival of the guest judges, The Simpson Brothers of Skeleton Creek Productions and the Simpson Museum in Enid, Oklahoma. In costumes of the old west’s cowboys, they entertained telling stories of their western film business and just enjoyed the day talking with folks, until the hard work began at noon and they had to sit and eat samples of all the days fixin’s of the Dutch Oven Cookers. While the judging was going on the public got to do some tasting of their own and show their appreciation of the day’s event by dropping donations in donation jars. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the Avard Lake Park and for next year’s Annual Cook Off.
From Jalapeño Poppers to Chili to Chicken & Noodles made in the biggest cook pot ever seen, the bellies were well satisfied by all who sampled!
In the afternoon the flatbed stage came to life with the musical talents of Pake McEntire & Stephanie Ann Shoemake. The crowd settled into the canopied areas providing shade, though the days weather was so beautiful the sun was as enjoyable as the breezes, and many spread blankets on the ground or just placed their lawn chairs where they had the best view. The music was topnotch quality and there was nothing more enjoyable than the tunes of Pake and Stephanie.
The judges results were announced and prizes were given to the winners.
At 6:00 pm a fish fry commenced with Cat fish, hushpuppies and coleslaw, and folks were well fed and satisfied by the time the evening’s entertainment began with music by Gary Reed and The Flatland Flyers Band.
The friendly folks of Avard know how to make an autumn day one full of all the right stuff, with good folks, good food & good music! Join us next year!
Posted on
Thu, October 13, 2011
by Susan Parent