Juneteenth Houston is kicking off a new event this year, The Inaugural Cookout Cookoff during the Celebrate Freedom Festival. Residents and chefs will compete in a backyard-style cooking showdown, preparing red foods tied to Juneteenth traditions. It’s all about good food, community, and celebrating culture through cooking.

We are excited to showcase you and your favorite RED FOOD at the Cookout Cookoff! Here's everything you need to know.

WINNING PRIZES:

1st Place - $500 and custom commemorative cutting board

2nd Place - $200

3rd Place - $100

Location: Emancipation Park - 3018 Emancipation Avenue, Houston, TX 77004 

Date: Sunday, June 1st

Time: 12:00pm - 2:30 pm CDT

Vendors will need to arrive at 11am for set- up and prep. Tastings will start at 12:30pm.

• The Contest will run through the time and conclude once we have served all the items.
• The judges will blend in with attendees and score each dish. The winners will be announced at 2pm.
• Vendor Booth Breakdown and Cleaning by 3pm to allow for the space to transition into the next event.

Competition Rules

This year's theme is Sweet and Savory. Contestants may enter their favorite sweet OR savory dish into the competition. You may enter more than one dish; however, only the dish selected will be showcased at the Cookoff Cookout. 

• Savory – mains and appetizers (brisket, oxtails, chili, red lentils, red cabbage, etc.)
• Sweet- desserts (cookies, cakes, pies, frozen treats, etc.)

1. Your dish must highlight a RED FOOD. It must be clear from that the star of the dish is the RED FOOD.
2. Red foods include, but are not limited to watermelon, hibiscus, red onion, red cabbage, beets, radishes, red meats, red beans, strawberries, raspberries, etc. Use your creativity. 
3. If selected to compete at the festival – prepare 100 samples of your dish for the Cookout Cookoff.

Selection Process

An open invitation will be provided to local Houston chefs. Six (6) chefs will be selected to compete. (3 Sweet, 3 Savory)

1. Open Invitation submissions are open until April 27th.
2. Top 6 selections in the Sweet Dish and Top 6 selections in the Savory Dish category will be invited to a small tasting on May 7th. You will need to prepare 6 small (one bite servings) for our judging panel. The top three in each category will be invited to participate in the Cookout Cookoff on June 1st at Emancipation Park during the Celebrate Freedom Festival.
3. Each chef will receive a $200 stipend for competing to help offset the cost of ingredients and City of Houston food permit.

Judging - Each dish will be judged on the following 4 criteria.

1. 10 points - Connection to Juneteenth. How does your dish reflect Juneteenth?
2. 50 points - Taste. How well does the dish taste and does it stick to the category of sweet or savory?
3. 20 points - Creativity. How innovative or creative is the dish?
4. 20 points – Presentation.
5. General public will receive one (1) tasting per dish. They will be provided with 6 tickets to try each of the dishes in the competition. Each dish is limited to 100 small bites (one for each attendee). The Judging panel will consist of 3-5 local industry professionals.

Specifications and Contest Details

Below you will find the guidance per the event location. We will provide a 6ft table, 2 chairs and a tent. This is a competitive event. Here are some specific food preparation ideas that comply with food safety guidelines and make for an exciting contest:

• There are no kitchen facilities at the location. This is a pop-up event.
• No Flyers are allowed due to the wattage. Feel free to cook off-site.
• Flat tops, chaffers, etc. are permitted.
• There is no power provided. You may bring a quietly running generator.
• Cooking methods will be of your choosing.

Vendor Stations and Supplies

• We will provide small plates, trays, cutlery and napkins for each competitor
• Please be sure to bring anything needed for the presentation of your tasting station.

Food Safety and Precautions

• Temperature Control: Ensure all food presented is cooked to proper internal temperatures.
• Hygiene: Use clean utensils and gloves when handling and serving food to maintain hygiene standards.
• Storage: Keep all food at appropriate temperatures before and after cooking to avoid any risk of foodborne illness.

Temporary Food Permits

Contestants chosen for the competition must obtain a Temporary Food Service Permit. Juneteenth Houston will procure permits for the selected contestants. 

https://www.houstonhealth.org/services/permits/food-permits/temporary-food-permits

Temporary Food Permit FAQ

1. What forms are required to apply for a Temporary Food Permit?

• Answer: You need two (3) forms:
• The application for a temporary food permit.
• The temporary food permit property owner/agent/event coordinator authorization form.
• Both forms are available at: https://www.houstonconsumer.org/services/permits/food[1]permits/temporary-food-permits.

2. How can I submit my application by email?

• Answer: Email the completed application, owner/agent/event coordinator authorization form, and any other required documents (photo ID, Texas Sales and Use Tax ID, food manager/handler certificate, etc.) as PDF attachments to CHS@houstontx.gov. Do not use cloud-based links.

3. How long does it take to process the application.

• Answer:  You need two (3) forms:
• The application for a temporary food permit.
• - The temporary food permit property owner/agent/event coordinator authorization form.This will be provided to you by Juneteeenth Houston
• Both forms are available at: https://www.houstonconsumer.org/services/permits/food[1]permits/temporary-food-permits.

4. Can I apply by mail?

• Answer: Yes, though it is not recommended. Mail the completed application, authorization form, required documents, and optional payment (cashier’s check or money order) to the provided address. If payment is included and your application is approved, the permit will be mailed within 3 business days. If payment is not included, an invoice will be sent.

5. What should I consider before applying for a Temporary Food Permit?

• Answer: Your establishment must be part of an event or celebration as defined in §20-18 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances.
• You can purchase up to 105 days of permits at the same location per calendar year. 
• Applications must be completed, approved, invoiced, and paid at least 7 days before the first permit day to avoid a late fee of $64.32. - Fees are non-refundable.

6. What happens if I need to postpone or cancel my permit?

• Answer: A one-time raincheck is available if you notify HHD at CHS@houstontx.gov before the permit start date and time. A $32.16 replacement permit fee will be charged.

7. How do I resubmit a returned application?

• Answer: Email the list of required corrections, your complete revised application, authorization form, all required documents, and any additional details as PDF attachments to CHS@houstontx.gov .

If you have any questions please contact us directly at JuneteenthHouston@gmail.com