World Squirrel Cook Off Brings Nutty Flavors to Northwest Arkansas
The culinary world of Northwest Arkansas is abuzz with the return of the World Champion Squirrel Cook Off, set to take place on September 7th. This year marks a triumphant comeback for the event,
with the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale hosting the competition. Successful squirrel chefs, hundreds of taste testers, local bands, and food trucks are all gearing up for a day of squirrely fun.
This year’s event promises to be more exciting than ever. With up to forty cooking teams competing, each dish must contain at least 80 percent squirrel, a rule strictly verified before cooking begins. Visitors can expect a variety of dishes, including squirrel corn dogs, pizza, pickles, ice cream, and even squirrel cocktails.
Beyond the cooking competition, an array of activities awaits visitors. The return of the World Champion Squirrel Skinning Contest, a hot wing eating contest, and a special squirrel-calling contest will capture the whimsy and excitement of the occasion. The AGFC will also host a pellet rifle shootout in their Marksmanship Center, while the Nature Center will offer entertainment and educational activities for kids.
While the competitive dishes are the highlight, the event offers a feast beyond squirrel cuisine. Visitors can enjoy a giant fish fry sponsored by ACC Crappie Stix, as well as free wild foods, including rabbit fricassee that proved to be a hit in the past. There also promises to be a cookbook available that features past winning recipes and other squirrel-centric dishes. Proceeds from the cookbook will be donated to the local 4-H club, which is helping with event parking.
For those interested in trying their hand at squirrel hunting, note that Arkansas squirrel season runs from May 15th to February 28th, and hunters can take up to 12 squirrels per day. The event’s central location near hickory trees is particularly significant, as hickory nuts are a favorite of squirrels around this time of year.
This year’s World Champion Squirrel Cook Off promises to be a day full of creative cuisine and lively entertainment, solidifying its place as the granddaddy of all limb chicken cooking competitions.
Squirrel Cook Off Information
- Date: September 7th
- Location: J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center, Springdale
- Time: 9 a.m.
Event Highlights
- Up to 40 three-person cooking teams
- World Champion Squirrel Skinning Contest and World’s Hottest Squirrel Hot Wing Eating Contest
- Squirrel-calling contest
- Pellet rifle shootout, and squirrely activities for kids
- Live music and a range of free foods
