The smell of camp oven cooking, fresh damper and hot coals will once again fill the air in Carcoar later this month, with the annual Camp Oven Cook Off returning to the Carcoar Royal Hotel on Sunday 31 May.
Running from 12 pm to 4 pm, the popular community event invites locals and visitors alike to dust off their camp ovens, gather their ingredients and take part in a relaxed afternoon celebrating traditional outdoor cooking.
Organisers said there would be both a Camp Oven Competition and a Damper Competition, with no registration required in advance.
Instead, competitors are simply encouraged to turn up with their aprons and ingredients and get cooking.
Hot coals will be available on site, helping make the afternoon accessible for both experienced camp oven enthusiasts and first-time competitors keen to give it a go.
Judging is scheduled for 3pm, with plenty of interest expected as cooks put their own spin on classic bush-style meals and baked treats.
The event has become a favourite on the local calendar, bringing together good food, live music and a laid-back atmosphere in the heart of one of the Central West’s most historic villages.
Live music throughout the afternoon is expected to enhance the atmosphere, while spectators will have the chance to wander through the cooking area, chat with competitors, and enjoy a social afternoon at the pub.
Camp oven cooking continues to hold a special place in regional Australia, with generations of families keeping the tradition alive by sharing slow-cooked meals around the fire.
The Carcoar Royal Hotel event offers a chance to celebrate that heritage while bringing the community together for a fun, family-friendly afternoon.
Organisers are encouraging people to come along, whether they are competing or simply keen to enjoy the atmosphere and support the local event.
