By JAMES BELL
Hays Post
Out of all of the regular camping traditions, one childhood favorite stands out as a necessary part of the experience — S'mores.
On Saturday at Cedar Bluff State Park, the beloved campfire favorite will be celebrated during the inaugural S'moresfest, a unique event that will include a cooking competition, bonfire, music and games.
"I think what is nice about this is, I've done the research and I can't find another Smoresfest anywhere else," said Amber McLaughlin, administrative specialist.
The cook-off will kick off the events at 3 p.m. at the Community Shelter in the Bluffton Park.
The entry fee for the cook-off is $20.
"If you have ever been to a cook-off, you know they are kind of fun," McLaughlin said.
Graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate are the required ingredients, but anything else can be added and can be made in any combination or form, she said.
"I think it will be a unique event. ... Everybody has chili cook-offs, but who has a Smoresfest and cook-off?" McLaughlin said.
Judging will begin at 6 p.m. and the winner will receive half of the total collected entry fees. The remainder of the funds raised will be used for future events at the park.
After the cooking competition, there will be S'mores-themed activities beginning at 7 p.m.
"We are calling them the Smore Games," McLaughlin said. "They will be like minute-to-win-it type games."
Some of the games planned include "Shake your Smore," where participants will shake marshmallows from a box around their waist, "Cookie Face," where participants will move a graham cracker from their face into their mouth, and the tallest S'mores contest.
McLaughlin said the games and events are a fun way for people to get together safely, noting organizers are are conscious of social distancing and will keep participants at a safe distance from each other.
Wrapping up the event will be a group campfire at 9 p.m.
"You came just come and bring your chair and have a S'more," McLaughlin said.
Local musician Tim Schumacher will play during the campfire.
"What is better than a campfire and a guitar?" McLaughlin said.
Overall, McLaughlin said events like these help showcase the state parks and can be a way to bring people together for wholesome fun.
"I definitely feel like it is important. It gives people an activity and things to do," she said. "Plus I like to think of people that have never camped before. They come to the park, they come to the event and they think 'this place is really awesome' then they come back and bring a tent, or buy a boat and they come back next time."