WQSV’s 5th Spring Chicken Salad-Off
Saturday, May 16, 2026
Ciders From Mars, 121 South Lewis Street, Staunton
4:00-8:00 PM
Tasting starts at 5PM, winners announced at 6:30PM
Hosted by Randy Ruse
Music by DJ L3D
Event is free • $20 for a tasting fork
This year’s judges are:
Laura Fonner – Zynodoa
Charles Taylor – The Barn on Main Soul Food
Justin Hershey – Chicano Boy/Pizza Luca
All proceeds benefit your favorite community radio station!
Come join us at Ciders From Mars on Saturday, May 16, as WQSV hosts its fifth annual chicken salad competition! Three judges will conduct a blind tasting of Staunton’s finest salad submissions with a “people’s choice” award as well.
If you just want to hang out and graze, $20 buys you a fork to conduct your own tasting.
We want to give a special shoutout to the students at JMU (through the CEVC program) who collaborated with us in designing this year’s 5th anniversary logo and t-shirt.
We want to thank our sponsors who donated gift cards:
Queen City Bistro
KIM (restaurant)
Elli Bubble Tea
Ciders from Mars
Baja Bean
Split Banana
Studio Broad
Bricks
Accordia Wine
Reunion
Thank you to Shenandoah Green, Black Bear Composting & Staunton High School for their contributions as well!
FAQ For Contestants
How will entries be judged?
We’ll be judging on these criteria:
– Salad Name (required for registration)
– Taste
– Texture
– Originality
– Presentation
How much salad should I make?
You will be asked to prepare enough chicken salad to fill one hundred (100) 2.5″/1.5 oz. bamboo mini-bowls.
Are there any restrictions on ingredients?
Please make sure that all items in your salad (including any garnish) are edible.
How do I get my salad to you?
Please pick up a salad kit from Ciders From Mars starting Wednesday, May 13. The kit will include instructions and numbered bamboo serving cups. You can bring your portioned and presented salad servings to Ciders From Mars between 12:00-3:00 PM on Saturday, May 16.
For any other questions …
Please contact stauntonradio@gmail.com.
Winners of the 2025 Chicken Salad-Off
Winners of the 2024 Chicken Salad-Off
Winners of the 2023 Chicken Salad-Off
Winners of the 2022 Chicken Salad-Off
