EATON —The third annual Wild Game Cook-Off was held during the Preble County Fair on Sunday, July 29. The winning dish was rabbit jambalaya — a dish many have not had an opportunity to try. According to Committee Member Matthew Lunsford, that is the entire point of the Wild Game Cook-Off.
“This is sponsored by Spic N Span Pots N Pans 4-H Club as a different event at the fairgrounds. It gives kids and adults an option to bring in different kinds of food people don’t think about,” he said.
“I hope this event continues to grow each year. This is the most participants we’ve had and the largest crowd. I think it has also changed in what people bring. We’ve had alligator, venison stir fry with rice, tuna steak, and other dishes people don’t normally get to try. Every year we get to try something new.”
The rules of the competition state the dish has to include 70 percent North American game animal, and the dish is scored on taste and presentation. Judging was broken into different classes of animals, including fish, large game, winged game, small game, etc.
There is no fee to enter and any age can participate. Winners of each category and overall winner won cash prizes.
“I think this is a neat event to get anyone involved at the fair. Even adults who can’t show animals anymore, but are outdoorsman or like to cook, they can come and participate and it doesn’t cost anything to enter,” Lunsford said.
