KIDS C.O.O.K Competition

Kids Cook Competition – Creating Original Opportunities for Kids (C.O.O.K.)

Get ready to chop, stir, sauté, and create at the Muskegon Farmers Market's Kids Cook Competition! This exciting hands-on culinary event gives aspiring young chefs ages 12–17 the opportunity to work alongside professional chefs while creating a delicious dish using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the Muskegon Farmers Market.

Teams of 4 kids will be paired with one of our talented Chef Leaders—Chef Jack, Chef Marty, or Chef Scott—to shop the market for fresh ingredients, prepare their dish in Kitchen 242, and present their culinary masterpiece to a panel of local celebrity judges. Along the way, participants will build teamwork, creativity, kitchen confidence, and valuable cooking skills while having an unforgettable experience.

About our Chef Instructors:

Chef Jack - Chef Jack Page has spent more than 40 years in the kitchen, building a career rooted in community, creativity, and craft. His culinary journey began at Breneman’s and the first Domino’s Pizza in Muskegon. From there, he apprenticed for three years at the Hilton Hotel restaurant, sharpening his skills and learning the discipline of fine dining. Over the decades, Jack has opened 18 to 19 corporate-owned restaurants across the region, spent five years in hospital food service, and partnered with the Community Foundation for Muskegon County to open and manage Smash Wine Bar. Today, he’s doing what he loves most—teaching culinary arts at the Muskegon Career Tech Center, mentoring the next generation of chefs.

Chef Marty - Currently the Executive Chef at 794 Grill in downtown Muskegon. A former Marine, Marty's kitchen execution runs a smooth and regimented............... At 794 for 4 years now, Marty insists on scratch cooking in his properties. Marty was a chef at Skeetown Tavern and honed his skills in New Orleans prior to moving to Michigan.

Chef Scott – Chef Scott Bly rose through the ranks to become Lake Bluff Grill’s Executive Chef last summer. Having been at the Lake Bluff Grill (Inside Muskegon Country Club) for 4 years now, Scott has helped transition the property from a private club to a restaurant the entire public can enjoy. The view from the deck is as spectacular as the dishes coming from the kitchen… If you get the chance, catch one of his wine pairing dinners.

Whether you're an experienced home cook or just love being creative in the kitchen, this is your chance to learn from local chefs, meet new friends, and compete for bragging rights and prizes!

Event Details

· Date: Saturday, September 12

· Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

· Location: Kitchen 242 at the Muskegon Farmers Market

· Ages: 12–17

· Team Size: 4 kids per team

· Cost: $35 per participant

Space is limited, so register early! Come cook, create, compete, and discover the fun of fresh, local food while making memories that will last a lifetime.