Arkansas State Parks hosted the 2025 Arkansas State Parks Top Chef competition, an exciting culinary showdown that took place on March 4. This annual event brought together talented teams from across the state park system to showcase their creativity, teamwork and culinary expertise in a friendly yet fierce competition.
After this showcase of incredible culinary talent, the title of 2025 Arkansas State Parks Top Chef was awarded to Vicky Ferguson and Brad Keahey from Mount Magazine State Park. Their expertly crafted entrée impressed the judges with its exceptional flavor, presentation and creativity.
The participating teams included:
Mount Magazine State Park – Vicky Ferguson and Brad Keahey*
Petit Jean State Park – Tegra Caulder and Sarah Duncan
DeGray Lake Resort State Park – Brook House and Jeff Edington
Ozark Folk Center State Park – Devin Osburn and Beth Hames
Queen Wilhelmina State Park – Thomas Myers and Lillis Lancaster
Each team, composed of a designated “Chef” and “Sous Chef” from each participating park, competed to earn the prestigious title of Arkansas State Parks Top Chef. The competition format challenges teams to create a standout entrée featuring a mystery protein and side items, provided at the start of the event. Teams were encouraged to bring their own spices and sauce ingredients to enhance their dishes.
A distinguished panel of four judges evaluated each dish based on the following categories:
- Taste and Temperature (5 points) – The overall taste and appropriate serving temperature of the dish.
- Presentation (5 points) – The visual appeal and plating of the entrée.
- Teamwork (5 points) – Work habits, techniques and adherence to safety protocols.
- Creativity (5 points) – Innovation in flavor combinations and overall dish development.
- Cleaning (5 points) – Maintenance of a neat and tidy workstation throughout the competition.
Each team prepared four plated meals, ensuring that all elements, including sauces and dressings, were created on-site during the competition. The 2025 Arkansas State Parks Top Chef competition was an opportunity for parks staff to engage in a spirited test of culinary skill while highlighting the exceptional food service talent within Arkansas State Parks.
