Hagood Mill Grits Cooking Competition
Grits Showdown at Hagood Mill
A Grits Cooking Competition at the Inaugural Upcountry Grits Festival - May 15-16, 2026
Think you’ve got the best grits in the Upcountry? Now’s your chance to prove it.
Join us at Hagood Mill Historic Site on Saturday, May 16, 2026 for the Grits Showdown—a one-of-a-kind cooking competition celebrating Southern flavor, creativity, and tradition.
Whether you’re a lifelong grits master or just love to cook, this competition invites home chefs to showcase their skills using Hagood Mill’s own stoneground grits, freshly milled on-site.
What to Expect
Bring your best dish—sweet or savory—and compete for prizes, recognition, and serious bragging rights.
You’ll be judged by a panel based on taste, creativity, and how well you showcase the rich flavor of authentic stoneground grits.
This is more than a competition—it’s part of a full festival experience featuring live music, food vendors, craft demonstrations, and Appalachian heritage.
Awards
• Best Overall Grits Dish (Grand Prize)
• Most Creative Dish
• People’s Choice Award (if applicable)
Judging Criteria
Each dish will be scored based on:
Taste (40%)
Flavor, seasoning, and overall deliciousness
Creativity (20%)
Originality and unique use of ingredients
Use of Grits (20%)
How well Hagood Mill stoneground grits are featured
Presentation (10%)
Visual appeal and plating
Authenticity/Story (10%)
Connection to Southern tradition or inspiration behind the dish
Event Details
Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Location: Hagood Mill Historic Site
138 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, SC
Entry Information
Entries Due: Saturday, May 16, 2026
Entries must be submitted by 1:00 PM at the registration table in front of the Heritage Pavilion
Each entry must include a 3" x 5" card with:
• Item Name
• Your Name & Phone Number
Competition Rules
• Open to amateur/home cooks only
• All dishes must use Hagood Mill stoneground grits as a primary ingredient
• Dishes may be sweet or savory
• Final preparation and plating must be completed on-site
• Contestants must provide their own ingredients, cookware, and utensils
• Dishes must be prepared in a safe and sanitary manner
• Provide enough for judging (minimum of 5 samples recommended)
• All dishes must be ready by the designated judging time
Make It a Full Experience
The Grits Showdown is part of the Inaugural Upcountry Grits Festival, featuring:
• Live music all day
• Grits-inspired food vendors
• Artisan crafts and demonstrations
• Family-friendly activities
Ready to Compete?
Bring your best recipe, your creativity, and your love for Southern cooking.
Come hungry. Come curious. Come celebrate all things grits.