by Lauren Krakau
BENTONVILLE, Ark. – Every year for the past seven years, the world champion squirrel cook off has been held in our very state. With the tagline, “Squirrel. It’s what’s for dinner,” you know you’re in for something unique, and that is why people from all across the country come to attend this event.
Mark Lambert, from the Operation BBQ Relief team, and said he was very happy with the weather and turn out for the cook-off. “It feels like a squirrel hunting day, so it’s nice to be out here at the Quail Barn with a bunch of our friends that love the outdoors,” says Lambert.
The event may seem a little nutty, but this contest has grown in both numbers and stature. For the first time, last Saturday, the event was held at the Benton County Quail Barn. In previous years, it was held at the Bentonville Square but outgrew the space.
Chefs from all over the nation made a trip here to Benton County to battle it out and cook their version of the best squirrel dish. A panel of judges tasted some interesting dishes including an Asian squirrel dish, squirrel tacos, and even a reinvention of a Bloody Mary drink called a “bloody squirrel.”
Hawk Shaw, cookbook author, and chef was alongside the panel of judges as this was his first working at the event.
Jerry Miller and his Okie Squirrel Busters team traveled 200 miles to compete and they ultimately claimed the title for the 2018 Squirrel Cook-Off World Champion and the one thousand dollar cash prize.
The Okie Squirrel Busters team gave over half of their earnings back to the event.
The World Champion Squirrel Cook-Off has raised tens of thousands of dollars for various charities.