BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – The 9th Annual Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival is scheduled for May 23 and 24 at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library – Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, according to festival organizers. Admission is free.
The event features blues, soul, R&B, gospel and Christian music, along with a Vendor’s Village and a judged Soul Food Cooking Contest. New this year is a Mustard Greens and Cornbread Eating Competition, organizers said.
Cooking contest details
The Soul Food Cooking Competition is open to entrants and highlights regional favorites from Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, according to festival organizers. Categories include Meats, Vegetable and Side Dishes, Breads and Desserts, Appetizers and Soups, and Beverage and Ices. Judging criteria includes presentation, taste, and the story or history behind each dish.
Ten entrants per category will be pre-selected by the Soul Food screening committee. The entry fee is $20 upon acceptance, or $30 for walk-ups if slots are available. Contestants must bring enough food for six people on the day of judging. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded in each category…