Contests & Competitions
The Mushroom Festival isn’t just about food and fun, it’s about friendly competition, creativity, and community tradition. From design challenges to high-energy stage events, our contests bring out the best in festival spirit each year.
Contests & Competitions for 2026
T-Shirt Design Contest
Closed
Put your creativity on display and design the official Mushroom Festival T-shirt. The winning design will be featured and worn throughout the Festival weekend. The winning design will receive a $500 prize!
Submit your design by email to:
Cute-as-a-Button Contest
A beloved Festival tradition celebrating personality, charm, and community spirit. Details and entry information will be released when applications open.
Application Deadline: Sep 09, 2026 11:59 pm (EDT)
'Chopped' Mushroom Cooking Contest
A live culinary showdown where local chefs are challenged to create standout dishes using mystery ingredients, always featuring mushrooms. High energy, fast paced, and crowd-pleasing.
Application Deadline: Aug 14 2026 12:00 am (EDT)
Mushroom Eating Contest
A Festival classic testing speed, appetite, and bravery. Participants compete to see who can finish their mushroom dish first, crowd cheers included.
Application Deadline: Deadline: Sep 09, 2026 1:00 pm (EDT)
Painted Mushroom Auctions
Discover one-of-a-kind painted mushrooms created by talented local artists.
These unique works of art are displayed throughout the festival and available for onsite silent bidding during festival hours. Browse the collection, place your bids, and support the Mushroom Festival through this beloved tradition.
Bidding closes on Sunday, September 13, around 4:00 PM. Be sure to submit your final bid before the auction ends for your chance to take home a truly unique piece of mushroom-inspired art.
NOT OPEN
The 2026 Contest Winners
'Chopped' Mushroom Cooking Contest Winner
Kate Stellar, West Grove
Fried Mushroom Eating Contest Winner
Check back soon.
Painted Mushrooms Silent Auction Winners
1st Place: “Under the Canopy” by Darla Gysling
2nd Place: “Happy 250th Birthday America” by Dan Gottel
3rd Place: “Mycelium of the Stars” by Melissa Blittersdorf
Antique Fire Truck & Car Show Winners
People’s Choice Car: Rob Rumbold, #43, from Kennett Square
People’s Choice Fire Truck: Bruce Poole, #10, from Hockessin, DE.
Furthest Traveled: Kyle Kokoszka #4 from Dover, DE.
Cute-As-A-Button Winners
Button Winner – Cole
Crimini Winner – Chickie
Portabella Winner – Sylvie
