The John Chester Dutch-Oven Cook-off is an annual event held in Sulphur Springs, Texas. Most of the time it is held in Heritage Park. This year, 2024, was the 20th year in a row that it has been held. John Chester started the cook-off in 2004. John is no longer with us. However, they choose to honor him by the festival bearing his name.
What is a Dutch-Oven?
A Dutch oven, Dutch pot (US English), or casserole dish (international) is a thick-walled cooking pot with a tight-fitting lid. Dutch ovens are usually made of seasoned cast iron; however, some Dutch ovens are instead made of cast aluminum, or ceramic.
Why a Dutch-Oven Cook-off?
Hopkins County has Dutch roots. Many early Hopkins County settlers came from the Netherlands. These Dutch folks have their own traditions, and this cook-off is an attempt to remember how settlers survived.
Dutch-Oven Cook-off in Sulphur Springs Review:
Although we’ve been in Hopkins County and Sulphur Springs since Dec. 2020, this was the first time we’ve attended The John Chester Dutch-Oven Cook-off. It was also the first time we were able to check out Heritage Park. We live just a couple blocks down on College Street. We had seen the photos from the actual settlers’ cabins, churches, and gas stations to create a pho 1850s – 1880s style town behind the museum. It does spill over into the 1920s because there’s gas station represented as well.
We enjoyed walking around and trying the food. For $5 one could sample as much Dutch-oven cooked food from the competition participants as one would like. We tried both beef and chicken. The Dutch-oven did give the meat a soft tenderness that was nice from a texture standpoint.
The Hopkins County Historical Society charged $3 on top of the $5 for the all-you-can-eat food to check out Heritage Park. The park is opened periodically and for special events throughout the year. Thus, it was $8 for adults and free for children under five. We spent $16 since our child is under five.
John Chester Dutch-Oven Cook-Off 2024 Winners
1st Place: Rachel Bobo and Nancy Phelan
2nd Place: Melinda Hitt and Crew
3rd Place: Margie Ford and Crew
Best Meat: David Wilhite
Beat Bread: Donnie and Katie Martin
Best Vegetable: Jody Bobo and Crew
Best Dessert: Enola Gay and Frank Boyd
Conclusion
It was a nice and economical way to spend a Saturday afternoon since you can’t go to Whataburger for less than the total we paid. We took some photos and gleaned some history. It’s not packed full of musical or performance entertainment, but if you like food, history, and old buildings, it might be for you. If you’re thinking about attending The John Chester Dutch-Oven Cook-off next and you are visiting Northeast Texas, we say give it a try, but add a few more things to do on your list while you’re in Hopkins County.
My crew, Teresa Reser , Emily William’s from Inola, Okla and I, Margie Ford from Sand Springs. Okla, have been coming and competing for 18 years. It’s a magical place with the historic buildings, water wheel, museum, well kept grounds, modern facilities for indoor events, great volunteers, I cant say enough good things about “this Texas Gem Heritage Park” right off the downtown square. From every event they have there you wont be disappointed. I only wish the Chamber of Commerce would list their events as they do others I see, if you haven’t been your missing out. The whole park board and Dutch Oven Contest board like Carlie Penson and Rick Wilson work so hard to put on these events throughout the year as 1st Class for sure. These Okies love to come to Texas.