Amateur Datil Showdown

11am-1 pm

Battle Fellow Datil Pepper Lovers to be

2025 Datil Fest

Amateur Champion!

Judges: Judging will be done by a panel of 8-12 local datil lovers and experts who know their spice! Judges will be split between each category.
Judging Process: Each entry will be evaluated using a detailed rubric to ensure fairness and consistency.
Judging Criteria: Entries will be scored on taste, originality, use of datil peppers, and overall impression.

10 am – 10:45 am

Hot Sauces, mustards and dry rubs!

11:15 am – 12 pm

Jelly’s, jams, breads, cobblers and other treats!

Judging Process

Contest Details & Rules

All entries must be at the Riverfront Palatka AMP by 9:30 AM on the morning of judging. NO same day entries.
Homemade Creations Only: All entries must be homemade. No store-bought, mass-produced brands, or commercial products allowed.
Choose your best creation: We know you whip up plenty of datilicious creations for friends and family—but for the contest, bring your best one! Just one entry per contestant.
You must accompany your creation for ingredient questions but also, we would like to thank the architects who made them.
Ingredient List: you must provide your ingredient list, NOT RECIPE, for allergen health concerns for the judges.
Bring at least 16 ounces of your entry minimum (dry rubs- 4 oz.).
Label Your Entry: To avoid confusion, each container must be legibly labeled or marked on top with the Contestant’s Name, Creation’s Name, and Heat Level (Mild, Medium, Hot, Wild)!
No Dangerous Ingredients - No entries may contain non-food-grade or hazardous ingredients (e.g., capsaicin extracts intended for novelty products). Safety first!
30 total entries so sign up soon!

Whether your entry is sweet, tangy, or packs a serious punch, now's your chance to showcase your unique flavor and stand out from the crowd!

Judging will be in two categories and at two separate times

Top 3 Winners

Bring your best datil pepper hot sauce, jelly, relish, mustard, or any other datil-infused creations. Winners announced between music sets.

an abstract photo of a curved building with a blue sky in the background

Amateur Datil Showdown

Are you ready to bring the heat and claim the top prize? Mark your calendar, prep your datil peppers, and get ready to impress our panel of datilheads! Who will take home the title of Datil Champion? There's only one way to find out!

First Name*

Last Name*

Datil Creation Name*

How long have you been making it?*

Your Datil Love Story

List of Ingredients*

Do you need free Datil Peppers from Mayhem Datil Pepper Farms - pick up only

1/4 lb. green

1/4 lb. ripe

1/4 lb mixed

What city will you be bringing your creation from?*

Contact Phone Number*

Email*

Amateur Contest Terms: I, the undersigned, have read and agree to all terms and conditions set forth in the Datil Fest Vendor Application and Rules. I further agree to hold harmless Mainstreet Palatka, Mayhem Brothers, LLC., and its officers, City of Palatka, Putnam County and its Commission, their clients, affiliated organizations or entities, directors, employees, duly appointed representatives and volunteers of all liability, demands, claims, and responsibility for any injury, damages or loss sustained by exhibitors, guests, or any other participants before, during or after the Datil Fest as a result of participating in the Datil Fest and/or as a result of displaying of my work, equipment or materials. I understand that the festival management reserves the right to remove anything that does not meet the standards set forth in this application. By entering your name below, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions.*

I Agree to the above terms and conditions

Sign-Up Form

Datil Fest co-host Mayhem Datil Pepper Farms is giving out free datil peppers for anyone who is entering the Amateur Datil Showdown!

All Fields must be filled out!

What our Festival Attendees Said About Last Year's Datil Fest

“Hands down the best food festival I’ve ever attended. The datil pepper is a hidden gem, and now I’m obsessed!”

Rachel M., Orlando, FL

“It felt like a big family reunion! My kids had a blast, and I got to sample some of the datil creations I’ve ever tasted. Just WOW”

Sarah G., St. Augustine, FL

“I came for the datil sauces… and left with a trunk full of datil everything. Amazing vendors, super friendly people, and such a great vibe.”

Donald S., Jacksonville, FL

“Meeting the datil farmers and makers was worth the road trip for me. It’s not just about spice—it’s about the heritage and passion they give this amazing pepper. Respect. See you next year 100%!”

Brian T., Savannah, GA

“The Datil Pepper Culinary Experience was amazing. I had no idea how many things you could make with datil peppers. From cobblers to cocktails—it was wild. Already planning next year.”

Jim D., Lochlossa, FL

“We happened upon the festival by total luck. The experience became the highlight of our vacation to Florida! Datil Fest 2025, here we come!”

Amateur Datil Showdown

11am-1 pm

Battle Fellow Datil Pepper Lovers to be

2025 Datil Fest

Amateur Champion!

Judging Process

Whether your entry is sweet, tangy, or packs a serious punch, now's your chance to showcase your unique flavor and stand out from the crowd!

Judging will be in two categories and at two separate times

Amateur Datil Showdown

Are you ready to bring the heat and claim the top prize? Mark your calendar, prep your datil peppers, and get ready to impress our panel of datilheads! Who will take home the title of Datil Champion? There's only one way to find out!

Sign-Up Form

Datil Fest co-host Mayhem Datil Pepper Farms is giving out free datil peppers for anyone who is entering the Amateur Datil Showdown!

All Fields must be filled out!

What our Festival Attendees Said About Last Year's Datil Fest

Rachel M., Orlando, FL

Sarah G., St. Augustine, FL

Donald S., Jacksonville, FL

Brian T., Savannah, GA

Jim D., Lochlossa, FL

Josh & Marie, Woonsocket, RI