STARKVILLE — The scent of Cajun seasoning, the bubble of boiling crawfish pots, and the spirit of friendly competition are returning downtown Saturday for the King Cotton Crawfish Boil.
Paige Watson, director of Main Street for the Greater Starkville Development Partnership, said the boil is set for 3-6 p.m. at the Hub Plaza, 301 East Main St. There, cooks will serve unlimited, delicious crawfish to the judges and attendees.
“We’ve got thousands of pounds of crawfish,” Watson said. “We definitely want people to come and come eat.”
The King Cotton Crawfish Boil is the second largest fundraiser for the Main Street Association, Watson said. The event will sell out at 750 tickets, she said, with a goal of raising $20,000 or more for Main Street initiatives.
During the boil, teams cook crawfish, supplied by the Main Street Association, along with any fixings and seasonings they choose to add to their pots. While the final numbers have not yet been set, as teams are still allowed to sign up through Thursday, Watson said this year’s boil will include about 10 teams and anywhere between 2,000 to 3,000 pounds of crawfish.
This year, Watson said, the winners of the boil will be decided in a few ways. First, three judges will conduct a blind taste test of all of the entries, keeping factors like taste, the quality of the cook and peelability in mind. But attendees will also get a voice, casting their votes for their favorite crawfish boilers of the day.
By the end of the afternoon, the winner will be named King Cotton. Awards will also be given out in other categories, like First Loser and Best Taste, Watson said.
While the competition is fun, Watson said the boil is also a great “family friendly event.” The Jason Miller Band will be playing live throughout the boil, she said.
“It’s obviously really good crawfish, fun time, live music, great atmosphere,” Watson said. “And it’s a great way to kick off your evening, whether you want to go to dinner afterwards downtown or walk through and just shop, it’s all … right there. And it just brings people together.”
Wes Shelton is a member of the Main Street Association board and a regular competitor at the King Cotton Crawfish Boil, as he has been leading the Bell’s Boilers team since it first entered the competition in 2016. He said the team keeps its recipe the same year-to-year, as he finds consistency is key to pleasing a crowd.
Shelton said he used to be more focused on the competition aspect of the boil, and it’s always fun to win bragging rights. But over the years, Shelton said he has grown to appreciate the community side of the event, as it gives him a chance to see friends and meet new people he wouldn’t cross paths with otherwise. Plus, it’s always fun to see others enjoy your cooking.
“I think the biggest thing is when people keep coming back to your tent and keep asking for more, that’s the validation that you did it right,” Shelton said. “… I’d be glad to win, but you never know what the judges are thinking.”
Tickets are on sale for $30 in advance online or $40 at the door. Early check-in is also available this year, as those with pre-ordered tickets can pick up their wristbands on Friday at the Partnership office to bypass the line on Saturday.
HOW TO GO
■ WHAT: King Cotton Crawfish Boil
■ WHEN: April 26, 3-6 p.m.
■ WHERE: Hub Plaza, 301 E. Main St.
■ HOW: Advanced tickets are available at kingcottoncrawfishboil.com for $30. Day-of tickets will be $40.
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