Embrace the Dip at the World Championship Cheese Dip Festival

While growing up, cheese dip was staple at nearly every get-together for Arkansas-based attorney and filmmaker, Nick Rogers. It was there, it was a part of life.

Or so he thought. 

It wasn’t until he spent time out of state that he discovered many people didn’t know what cheese dip was.

“It made me curious about why cheese dip is so popular in my neck of the woods, and lesser know in other places.”

So Rogers set out to create a documentary, In Queso Fever that traced the history of the dish. He discovered that cheese dip was actually created at Little Rock’s Mexico Chiquito (map; formerly Little Mexico) in 1935, predating RO*TEL by nearly a decade.

Now his documentary had a great response, he thought it would be a neat idea to start a world championship cheese dip festival.

“I wanted to establish a championship competition similar to barbecue and chili championships.”

And on October 9, both professional and amateur cheese dip creators will converge on Dickey-Stephens Park (map) in North Little Rock to find who has the best.

As the only championship of its kind, Rogers says he wants to take the competitive elements of the above-mentioned championships with a little lightheartedness added in.

The rules are simple providing participants with a broad definition of cheese dip. Rogers says he looks forward to see what people have created.

“There’s unlimited potential here.”

Entries are judged on different criteria that include taste, originality, texture and presentation.

In addition to the cheese dips, there will also be awards given in best tent decoration, healthiest cheese dip and more.

And the best part is, the public can attend and get their fill of cheese dip as well for $5. Not only can you sample cheese dip from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m., but also enjoy live music, arts and crafts, a children’s area and more. For the football fans, there’s no reason to worry because the Arkansas/Texas A&M game will be playing on the large outfield screen.

“The championship nicely represents what Arkansas is all about: football, cooking and outdoor gatherings,” says Rogers.

Quick Take

What: World Championship Cheese Dip Festival, sponsored by Velveeta and RO*TEL

When: Saturday, October 9

Where: Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock

Time: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Cost: $5/person admission

photo credit: Beer Bread with Cheese Dip, flickr, creative commons by Cracker and Cheese