Toast Chee Eating Contest

Think you’ve got what it takes to get crackin’? Join us for the first-ever eating contest during this year’s Jones County Heritage Festival: Toast Chee Eating Contest

Participants will race against the clock to eat as many Toast Chee cracker sandwiches as they can in 5 minutes. Bottled water will be provided—but you’ll need speed, strategy, and a strong jaw to take the crown!

The 16th Annual Jones County Heritage Festival presents.. Toast Chee Eating Contest how many can you eat in 5 mins? Visit our website for official rules, event times, and how to enter! SIGNED WAIVER REQUIRED $10 ENTRY FEE 20 SPOTS AGES 12 & UP WWW.JCHERITAGEFESTIVAL/EATING-CONTEST

Location:At the Jones County Civic Center - Inside the Large Auditorium

Time: 11:30AM* (After the Jones County Heritage Pageant)
Cost: $10 per participant

RULES:
  1. Participants must be 12 years or older.

  2. A $10 non-refundable entry fee is required.

  3. All participants must sign a waiver prior to the contest.

  4. Each contestant must open their own packs of Toast Chee crackers.

  5. You will have 5 minutes to eat as many cracker sandwiches as possible.

  6. Bottled water will be provided for each participant.

  7. The participant who finishes the most crackers in the time limit wins.

  8. In the event of a tie, a tie-breaker round will be held.

How To Register: Registration will take place on-site at the festival and will be first-come, first-served. Payment accepted by exact cash or Festival Bucks only.

Reach out to the Jones County Heritage Festival Committee with questions:
jcheritagefestival@jonescountync.gov or 252-448-9621, OPTION 2, MON-THURS 8AM-5PM & FRI 8AM-12PM

Mobile Phone Photography Competition (2025)

Capture the spirit of Jones County by submitting an entry to this year's amateur mobile phone photography competition!

Photos must feature subjects inspired by Jones County Heritage, such as landscapes, wildlife, moments in time, local culture, human connection, etc. We want to showcase great images. We hope to see all genres and styles submitted.

All photos must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Monday, September 1, 2024. 

See competition rules and information below.

2025 MOBILE PHONE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION (1)
2025 Mobile Phone Photography Competition

Submissions may be featured on the festival website and social media accounts.

Winners will receive a certificate of recognition for their photos and Festival Bucks, which can be redeemed for concert tickets (September 26th, 2025) or used at heritage activity booths during the festival on September 27th, 2025

Help us showcase Jones County's heritage through your photos!

T-Shirt Design Contest (2025)

Our 1st T-Shirt Design Contest has come to an end!

The 2025 T-Shirt Design Contest has officially wrapped up, and we were thrilled to receive 12 creative submissions from talented youth artists. Each design was judged based on the official contest rules, and after a tough deliberation, we’re excited to announce this year’s winners:

  • 1st Place: Ellie C.

  • 2nd Place: Chyelle M.

  • 3rd Place: Reece C.

All winners will receive a limited edition festival t-shirt, a certificate presented during the Heritage Festival Awards Ceremony, and festival bucks to enjoy throughout the day!

We sincerely appreciate every youth who participated this year - it wasn’t an easy choice!
Take a look at all the amazing designs submitted:

Exciting News for Our 16th Annual Jones County Heritage Festival T-Shirts!

Last year, we kept things simple with a classic white t-shirt featuring our festival logo. But this year, we're shaking things up! Based on feedback from our amazing attendees, we’re inviting Jones County youth (ages 4-18) to showcase their creativity by designing the official t-shirt for our 16th Annual Jones County Heritage Festival.

Social Media (2)

The winning design will be featured on this year’s limited-edition festival t-shirts, available exclusively at the event. The 1st place winner will not only have their artwork displayed on the shirt but will also receive a free t-shirt, $30 in festival bucks, and a certificate presented by our Jones County Manager at the Awards Ceremony. Plus, two runner-ups will receive special prizes!

Think you have what it takes? Check out the official rules for all the details. We can’t wait to see your creativity shine!