1st Annual PeeDee Perlo Festival
A Community Celebration
Saturday, August 9, 2025
2PM— 8PM
Kingstree, SC
About the Festival
What is Perlo?
Perlo (also spelled pilau, purloo) is a traditional rice dish with rich multicultural origins tracing back several centuries. Brought from West Africa and the Middle East, adapted in the Lowcountry, and embraced throughout the South, this one-pot rice dish represents the blending of cultures that characterizes Southern cuisine.
Each family's recipe tells a story of heritage, adaptation, and community that continues to evolve while honoring its roots.
Our Festival
Join your neighbors for an extraordinary culinary journey celebrating our shared heritage of Southern rice dishes. Watch as community cooks and local chefs come together to share traditional recipes and innovative creations using fresh, sustainable ingredients from Pee Dee Aquaponics and area farmers.
This signature community event highlights the connections between our cultural heritage, local agriculture, and sustainable food systems.
Featured Attractions:
Cooking Competition
Farmers Market
Backpack Drive
Perlo Fest Line Dance
Cooking Competition
Competition Details
Showcase your best purloo recipe in our community cook-off! Open to home cooks and professional chefs alike. Special recognition for dishes featuring Pee Dee Aquaponics produce and local ingredients.
Entry Fee: $100 (includes tent, table, food warmers)
Prizes: $100 Cash, Gas Cards, Trophy, Website Spotlight
Judging Criteria
Our panel of 7 judges will evaluate entries based on:
Flavor authenticity (1-5 points)
Creative innovation (1-5 points)
Cultural/family story (1-5 points)
Presentation (1-5 points)
Audience Choice Award via QR code voting
Safety Requirements
All contestants must follow Kingstree Fire Department regulations:
Proper fire extinguishers required
Specific cooking tent requirements
Safe distancing for cooking equipment
Pre-event inspection required
Festival Schedule
4:00 PM
Cultural History Presentation
Community Honorings
Dance Performance
3:00 PM
Cooking Demonstrations Begin
Farmers Market Opens
2: 00 PM
Festival Opens
Contestant Checkin- 12PM
5:00 PM
“Boots on the Ground” & more
Judging begins
8:00 PM
Festival Ends
7:00 PM
Award Ceremony
Farmers Market
Featured Producers
Pee Dee Aquaponics - Sustainable fish and vegetable production
Local Rice Growers - Heritage rice varieties
Seasonal Vegetable Farms - Fresh, local produce
Herb & Spice Specialists - Essential flavorings for authentic perlo
Our festival will feature a special farmers market showcasing local produce and sustainable farming practices. Meet the farmers who grow the ingredients that make our local cuisine special!
Interested in being a vendor? Contact us for more information.
Sponsors
Pee Dee Aquaponics
Signature Sponsor
WHY SPONSOR THE PEE DEE PERLO FESTIVAL?
Community Impact: Support cultural preservation and celebration of regional culinary traditions
Brand Visibility: Reach a diverse audience of food enthusiasts, travelers, and community members
Customer Engagement: Connect directly with potential customers in a festive, positive environment
Media Exposure: Benefit from regional marketing and publicity efforts
Business Networking: Build relationships with other sponsors, vendors, and community leaders
Corporate Citizenship: Demonstrate your commitment to the local community and cultural heritage
ADDITIONAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
In addition to our standard sponsorship packages, we offer the following exclusive sponsorship opportunities:
Kids' Activity Area Sponsor - $250: Dedicated signage in children's area and branded activities
Entertainment Stage Sponsor - $500: Prominent signage at performance stage and introduction of performers
Cooking Competition Sponsor - $1,000: Special recognition during judging and awards ceremony, plus logo on competitor materials
Custom Packages: We're happy to create a customized sponsorship package that meets your specific marketing objectives
Registration & Tickets
Contestant Registration
$100 entry fee includes:
10'x10' cooking space
Table and tent
Food warmers
Web profile and promotion
Application Deadline: July 15, 2025
Visitor Tickets
Adult: $15
Children (6-12): $5
Children under 6: Free
VIP Experience: $25 (includes exclusive tastings and a festival T-shirt)