Capitol Market's fifth annual ALL FIRED UP! competition is back to kick off the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta! On July 3, some of the area's best young chefs will go head-to-head in a backyard cookout competition for a chance to win some cool prizes.

ABOUT

Capitol Market is turning up the heat for the return of All Fired Up! The kids' cooking competition will kick off this year's Charleston Sternwheel Regatta on Friday, July 3 from noon to 3 p.m. The competition, which pits young chefs against one another in a battle to see who can cook the best backyard BBQ, is a free, family-friendly event.

HOW IT WORKS

Each kid-led team receives a $100 Capitol Market gift card and one hour to shop for fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, they have 1.5 hours to prepare a meal using a grill provided on-site. A panel of local celebrity chefs will award prizes, including handcrafted glass from West Virginia’s own Blenko Glass Company, for categories "People's Choice," "Best Overall," "Best Use of Local Ingredients," and "Most Creative Dish."

GET INVOLVED

Kids who are aged 10-17 and are interested in competing can apply here by creating their own personal fundraising page. Registrants are encouraged to share their story through photos, video and text. Up to 8 young chefs will be selected through a competitive process. All proceeds will support youth programming at Capitol Market.

RULES

Competitors must be aged 10-17. Each competitor can have a team of up to 3 assistants (no age requirements). Each competitor will be supplied with a propane grill, side gas burner and prep table. Teams are responsible for bringing their own special kitchen equipment, cutting boards, pots/pans, blenders, plates, and any other presentation materials. There will be a limited “shared” pantry of basic staples and supplies, these will be a limited basis and are not intended to be the basis of any meal. Water and sanitation supplies will be provided by Capitol Market. Each team will be given a $100 Capitol Market gift card and 45 minutes to shop for their backyard cookout meal. Upon completion of shopping, each team will have 1.5 hours to prepare and submit their meal. Each team must be able to provide enough food for 5 judges to sample their submission. Top prizes will be awarded in people's choice, best overall, most creative and best use of Capitol Market ingredients. This is intended to be a fun event! Teams not adhering to the rules may be disqualified and asked to leave the competition area.

Noon: Introduction

12:15 p.m. - 1 p.m.: Shopping

1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Cooking

2:30 - 3 p.m.: Judging

3 p.m.: Awards

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO BLENKO FOR HAND-CRAFTING THE AWARDS FOR THIS EVENT.