Stew Cookoff and Fair

Stew Cookoff

The first weekend in September, the AGRICULTURAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION sponsors the Annual Red River County Stew Cookoff and Auction to help raise funds to support the annual Red River County Fair. Various organizations and individuals in the county prepare pots of stew to compete for the selection of the county's BEST STEW.

The AIA sells bowls to individuals who make the rounds sampling the various pots of stew. Normally there will be 18 to 25 pots of stew entered in the competition. In 1997 new procedures were instituted in the judging of the stew. The judging is completely blind and the cooks are not known to the judges.

The county 4-H clubs operate a SWEET SHOP, selling cookies, pies, and cakes that have been donated by individuals.

At 6 PM an auction is held in which various donated items are auctioned off. Items donated vary from cakes to quilts to hand crafted furniture. The Stew Cookoff and Auction generates funds that are used to offset the cost of the annual County Fair.

Rules for entering the Stew Cookoff are available from the County Agent's Office in the Red River County Courthouse.

Red River County Fair

The annual Red River County Fair is normally held during the third week of September, beginning with a parade on Wednesday afternoon and ending Saturday evening. Entertainment is provided each night of the Fair with square dancing held on Wednesday night each year. There are numerous food booths operated by civic clubs that serve a good variety of food during the Fair. Many families enjoy it so much they eat there twice a day!