Clinton will hold its first Wild Game Cook-off on Sept. 30 at Archey Fork Park. Deer, turkey, rabbit, opossum, squirrel – anything is fair game for this new event that planners intend to hold annually.
Chefs can enter the cook-off and compete for cash prizes – $200 for first place; $125 for second place; $175 for People’s Choice. The public can enjoy taste testing by purchasing a $5 arm band.
Cooking begins at 8 a.m. and all dishes must be prepared with at least 25 percent wild game. According to the cook-off website, “All judges have been tested for cast-iron stomachs and have sworn under oath to have no vegetarian tendencies.”
You can also enjoy and fiddle and banjo competitions. Vendors will have booths set up for shopping.
The event takes place at Archey Fork Park, a multi-purpose park and recreational area located near the historic downtown and business area. The park is great for walking, playing, exercising, family outings, and enjoying nature. You can walk off your wild game on the paved three-quarter mile walking track leading from the park, under Ark. 65 overpass, around Archey Creek Park and behind the Archey Fork Mall, and back to Main Street Park. There is also a newly extended Riverwalk Trail on the north side of the walking track.
The City of Clinton is also home to the National Chuckwagon Races, Rockin’ on the River, and Archey Fest. It will be a ground zero town for the 2024 eclipse.