MEDIA ADVISORY: Four Chefs to Compete at the Battle of the Bay: Blue Catfish Cook-Off at the Maryland State Fair

ANNAPOLIS, MD (August 31, 2026) ~ Annapolis, MD - The Chesapeake Bay's wild-caught blue catfish problem is being tackled by the Maryland Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Lottery, and Maryland State Fair. In an effort to find a solution to this invasive species, a cash prize will be awarded to the chef who can create the most delicious dish using blue catfish.

Despite being highly invasive, blue catfish are known for their high nutritional value and versatile white, flaky meat. To determine the winner of this competition, fair attendees are invited to taste all four dishes at the Maryland State Fair on Saturday, September 5 from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. ET. Each participant will also receive recipe cards for each dish and a coupon to purchase wild-caught blue catfish at Redner's Market locations throughout Maryland.

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The first-place winner will receive a grand prize of $1,000, a Maryland's Best chef coat, trophy, and a blue catfish hat. The wild-caught blue catfish used in the competition has been generously donated by Reliant Fish Company.

Deputy Secretary Steve Connelly from the Maryland Department of Agriculture will be present at the event along with invited guests such as Secretary Josh Kurtz from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The competing chefs include Executive Chef Rasheed Abdurrahman from Food and Friends, Chef Elais Avendano from Catahoula, Chef Sara Kephart from Sara Kep's Kitchen, and Executive Chef Zack Trabbold from Evolved Hospitality/The Local.

The tasting event will take place at the Free Stage Area by the Mosner Miller Building at the Maryland State Fairgrounds located at 2200 York Road in Timonium on Saturday, September 5. Interested media personnel are requested to RSVP to Director of Marketing Initiatives Kristin Hanna at (410) 991-3968.

This competition not only aims to find a solution to the blue catfish problem but also promotes the use of this fish as a sustainable and delicious food source. Don't miss out on this exciting event at the Maryland State Fair!

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