America's Kitchen: 250 Years of Flavor, One Sweet Home
America's Kitchen: 250 Years of Flavor, One Sweet Home
Watch four top Alabama chefs fire up the stage with live cooking demonstrations inside our Liberty Ballroom, a replica of the historic East Room of the White House – then cheer on brave gastro competitors as they battle it out in fast-paced, crowd-roaring, unforgettable food-eating contests. It all takes place from 11-6 on Friday only!
Celebrity Chefs’ Kitchen
Friday, 11:30 am
Miss Annie joins Martha Washington for a one-of-a-kind culinary conversation exploring how Americans cooked, measured, baked, and entertained from the Revolutionary era to today. Expect historic recipes, modern twists, and plenty of charm from two hosts who know their way around a kitchen.
Cooking with Martha: Then and Now
Celebrate America’s 250th with a sweet slice of patriotism! Join Sally as she demonstrates how to assemble a festive American Flag Cake that’s as impressive on the inside as it is on the outside. The real surprise is revealed when you cut into each slice, creating a fun and memorable dessert that’s perfect for any patriotic celebration. Come ready to learn, be inspired, and discover a cake that’s sure to be the star of your holiday table.
Baking an American Flag Cake with Sally's Confections
Friday, 1:30 pm
Fresh, colorful, and made for warm-weather gatherings, this Southern-inspired panzanella brings together cornbread, citrus, fennel, and olives in a salad that celebrates the season. Join Natalie for a relaxed cooking demo filled with practical tips, simple techniques, and plenty of Southern flavor.
A Southern Twist on Panzenella
Friday, 3:30 pm
Friday, 5:30 pm
Eating Contests
Think you’ve got what it takes? Step up to the table for Sweet Home 250 Eating Contests! Three iconic Alabama food items. Three separate showdowns for the title and the prize. Competitors will have five minutes to eat as many of the items as possible in front of a live audience. Legendary radio personality, Rick Burgess, will serve as Host.
Registration is $25 and space is limited. Click on the “Buy Tickets” buttons below to sign up!
Friday at 12:30 pm - Conecuh Little Chief Challenge
An Alabama classic takes center stage at the Conecuh Little Chief Challenge. Contestants will race to eat as many legendary Conecuh Little Chief Premium Franks as possible in five minutes — and with sausage this good, who needs a bun?
The winner will receive a gift bag with over $100 in Conecuh SWAG!
Friday at 2:30 pm -Priester’s Pecan Pie Showdown
Presented in partnership with Priester's Pecans, an Alabama original known for handcrafted pecan treats since 1935. What began as a small roadside stop in Fort Deposit has grown into one of the South’s most beloved pecan brands—still family-owned and rooted in tradition.
Contestants will face off to see who can eat the most of Priester’s famous mini pecan pies in five minutes—or race to be the first to finish 15 pies.
First place will receive a $100 Priester’s Pecans gift card!
Also, audience members will have the chance to sample Priester’s famous mini pecan pies!
Friday at 4:30 pm - Blue Bell Brain Freeze Challenge
Think you can handle the cold? Step up and prove it!
Watch (or compete!) as brave contestants race against the clock to devour as many Blue Bell Vanilla Mini Ice Cream Cups as possible in just 5 minutes. It’s fast, it’s freezing, and it’s guaranteed to have the crowd cheering—and shivering!
The ultimate champion will take home $100 in half-gallon certificates of Blue Bell ice cream… if they can beat the brain freeze!
Also, audience members will have the chance to sample Blue Bell’s classic Homemade Vanilla ice cream!
Contest Participation Notice
Participants in eating contests must be at least 18 years of age.
Participation involves rapid food consumption and may present risks including choking, allergic reactions, illness, or other injury. By reserving a contestant spot, participants acknowledge these risks and confirm they are physically able to participate.
Contestants will be required to sign an official participation waiver at event check-in prior to competing.
Contest officials reserve the right to deny or remove any participant for unsafe conduct, intoxication, failure to follow contest rules, or disruptive behavior.
Registration fees are non-refundable. Contest details, schedules, prizes, and food items are subject to change without notice.