On Saturday, Oct. 19, Milledgeville hosted its annual Deep Roots festival, which featured the third annual Steak-Off competition. Locals and out-of-towners gathered to cook for judges, aiming to take home a cash prize and bragging rights for the year.
“The contest was full of stiff competition,” said Justin Seymore, the event promoter. “We had some of the best steak cooks in the Southeast travel to spend Saturday vying for a chance of a first-place trophy, a check, and an invitation to the World Finals. The 19 teams that entered the two steak contests were excited to spend their day under the shade of the trees on Jefferson Street.”
The top 10 steaks were given prizes ranging from $25 to $725. There were two separate competitions: Steak A and Steak B, with an entry fee of $160 for each. From secret sauces to different rubs, competitors showcased their skills and variety of cooking styles.
“This is my fifth year entering steak contests. This is what my parents do, and I sort of followed in their footsteps,” said Riley Wright, a 17-year-old who works for Steak Princess Barbeque. “I use my own seasoning, so I feel like that kind of helps. I have a Cajun which is Firefly Dust, Fiesta which is just Fiesta Rub and a beef which is Beauty and the Beef.”
The event started at 10 a.m. and lasted until 5 p.m. The competitors began the day with a cooks’ meeting, where they received instructions on the contest format. At 2 p.m., Steak A contestants turned in their steaks, followed by Steak B contestants at 3:30 p.m. The judges selected their favorite steaks, and at 5 p.m., the winners were announced.
Competitors set up tents and booths around 10 a.m., taking over Jefferson Street with cooking stations. Many showcased branded tents representing their companies and restaurants, including BAR-B-CATS from Apalachee High School, GRATE Sauces and Rubs from Goldsboro, N.C., and Steak Princess Barbeque.
After cooking was completed, contestants gathered at the main stage for the awards ceremony. Winners were called to receive their prizes and pose for photos. The top prize for both competitions included a large cutting board in addition to the cash award. Jean Skillen, from Huntsville, Ala., won the Steak A competition, while Randy McKnight, from Jacksonville, Fla., claimed victory in Steak B.
“This is my third straight year I have attended this competition,” McKnight said. “Justin puts on a great event. You just can’t beat this festival. The weather is always cold in the morning and warmer in the afternoon, just a fantastic event. It feels great to get a win.” Skillen added, “This was our first year competing, and we just feel fantastic getting first place. It never gets old being able to walk up on stage in first place.”
The countdown has already begun for next year’s annual Deep Roots Steak-Off.
“It was a great weekend for these teams to experience a bite of Milledgeville,” Seymore said.