Roadkill Cook-Off

By: © Nelson Taylor 2008

Festival Location: Marlington, WV, USA

Festival State: West Virginian Festivals

Festival Type(s): Food Festivals , Bizarre Festivals

In West Virginia, no one used to argue with the notion that there ain't nothing better than finding a fresh-killed animal on the side of the road. The dirty work already done, all folks had to do was throw that critter in a pot and get ready for some groundroots grub. But those days are long gone, at least for the better part of the country. That's why every September, Marlington celebrates roadkill fare with an event, that should, well, make you barf.

But hold on there, no one uses real roadkill here. The animal one cooks must be one that is commonly found dead on the side of the road (possum, beaver, raccoon, snake, deer, etc.), but the animals must not actually come from the side of the road. That's part of the official rules. Does anybody actually ever check? If you plan to cook, you need to bring all of your own equipment. As far as what to cook, the sky is the limit. Grilling, chilling, baking, flaking, flipping , dipping, whatever bites your ass. What will you be up against? Try Stewed Blood with Moose Balls on the Half Shell or Stir-Tired Possum with Natural Brown Maggots. Yep, competition is tough. But the winner can go away $300, which to most who enter means they don't have to scoop up animals from the highway for the rest of the month.