👨🍳 Local home cooks are invited to take center stage at the Enterprise Farmers Market’s Farm-to-Fork Chef Showdown, returning as part of the Peak Season Kickoff on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
This year’s competition features a major format change: the Chef Showdown will be open exclusively to amateur home chefs. For the first time, professional chefs will not participate, placing the focus entirely on local cooks and giving community members the opportunity to compete for the title of Enterprise Farmers Market Top Chef.
The change is designed to expand participation and highlight the creativity, talent, and passion of home cooks from across the region.
Selected contestants will compete in a live cooking competition held on-site at the Farmers Market. Each chef will shop directly from market vendors for fresh, seasonal ingredients and prepare their dishes live under the market tents.
In addition to market-sourced ingredients, competitors will receive provided items through local partners, including beef medallions from 3D Cattle Company and peanut products from the Alabama Peanut Producers Association. Full competition rules and a detailed list of provided items will be shared with selected contestants prior to the event.
Amateur cooks interested in competing must register by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026. To enter, participants must submit their name, age (must be 18 or older), phone number, and email to Birgit Briggs at bbriggs@enterpriseal.gov or call (334) 447-2506.
Contestants will be selected through a random drawing and announced on Monday, May 18 on the Enterprise Farmers Market Facebook page. Selected participants will also be contacted directly.
A panel of judges will evaluate each dish based on taste, creativity, and presentation. The Enterprise Farmers Market Top Chef will receive a $500 cash card and a Farmers Market backpack filled with supplies. All selected contestants will receive a Farmers Market backpack and a $100 cash card.
For more information or to register, contact Birgit Briggs at (334) 447-2506 or bbriggs@enterpriseal.gov.