Eliza Holloway Wins Mississippi State Fair Omelet Contest
The Jasper County resident took home the top prize for her Crab Trap Omelet at the annual state competition.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Food and Drink
Eliza Holloway secured first place at the 2026 Mississippi State Fair Omelet Cook-off held in Jackson. She beat out 10 other contestants to win the competition with her signature Crab Trap Omelet.
Why it matters
The annual competition serves as a platform for local culinary talent to showcase egg-based dishes. It highlights the efforts of the Mississippi Poultry Association to promote local agricultural products through community engagement.
Eliza Holloway received a $100 cash prize from the Mississippi Poultry Association for her first-place finish. Participants were required to present their meals to a panel of judges within a one-hour time limit.
The players
Eliza Holloway
A Jasper County resident who earned first place in the state-level egg cooking competition.
Mississippi Poultry Association
An organization that supports state agriculture and provided the cash prizes for the winners.
Fenix Schaafsma
A competitor from DeSoto County who secured the second-place position in the cook-off.
Bianca Jones
A Jasper County resident who placed third in the state competition.
The details
Contestants from across the state first submitted their recipes for district-level selection before advancing to the final event in Jackson. Fenix Schaafsma of DeSoto County took second place with a Bacon Cheese Omelet, while Jasper County native Bianca Jones finished third with a Deluxe Bacon Omelet.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Mississippi Egg Marketing Board announced the cook-off results.
Industry Dynamics
This event reflects a broader trend of regional culinary competitions designed to boost engagement with local agriculture. Such events are part of the strategy used by organizations like the Mississippi Poultry Association to increase consumer awareness of state-produced commodities.
The competition results provide local residents with new recipe ideas derived from the winning dishes. It highlights the accessibility of local food events that allow amateur cooks to gain recognition for their culinary skills.
The takeaway
Amateur cooking competitions like this highlight the creative versatility of pantry staples in the local community. Residents interested in similar contests can monitor the Mississippi State Fair schedule for future opportunities to participate or attend.
Further reading
For more on local culinary events and trends, visit the Food and Drink section.
