Where To Find Us In 2026

The Stoney Creek BBQ Cookoff, a Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) sanctioned competition, has quickly become one of the Shenandoah Valley's most anticipated culinary events. This year's event will feature 19 KCBS competition teams and 20 backyard barbecue teams, the popular Corks at the Cookoff wine and spirits tasting, a car show, food vendors, family activities, and visitors from across the region.

The Artisan's Finest Flavor Excellence Award was created to recognize the team whose entry demonstrates exceptional flavor craftsmanship through seasoning balance, creativity, depth of flavor, and overall eating experience.

“When we started Artisan's Finest, we weren't trying to build a big food company — we simply loved great food and believed quality ingredients matter,” said Chris Marston, co-owner of Artisan's Finest. “Over the years, we've learned something simple: flavor is what people remember. This award is our way of honoring the pitmasters who dedicate themselves to creating unforgettable barbecue.”

Unlike traditional competition categories, the Flavor Excellence Award is intended as a special recognition celebrating the artistry behind barbecue. The award will be presented independently of official KCBS scoring and is designed to recognize the pitmaster team that best exemplifies outstanding flavor development and seasoning craftsmanship.

The winning team will receive:

• The Artisan's Finest Flavor Excellence Award Trophy
• An Artisan's Finest Competition Bundle featuring eight handcrafted BBQ rubs
• Recognition during the event awards ceremony
• A year of well-earned bragging rights

Artisan's Finest specializes in handcrafted vanilla extracts, seasonings, and barbecue rubs produced in small batches in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. Built on a philosophy of real ingredients, thoughtful craftsmanship, and authentic flavor, the company serves customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic through festivals, markets, competitions, and special events.

“At the end of the day, we're not really in the seasoning business — we're in the flavor business,” Marston added. “This award is our way of recognizing the team that best represents what we care about most: great flavor.”

The Stoney Creek BBQ Cookoff will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Edinburg Town Park, Edinburg, Virginia.

Event highlights:

• 19 KCBS Competition Teams
• 20 Backyard BBQ Teams
• Corks at the Cookoff Wine & Spirits Tasting
• Car Show
• Food Vendors
• Family-Friendly Activities
• Live Awards Ceremony

For additional information about Artisan's Finest, stop by the Artisan's Finest booth during the event or follow Artisan's Finest on social media for updates leading up to the competition.

Media contact: Chris Marston, Co-Owner, Artisan's Finest · TheArtisansFinest@gmail.com · 540-742-1743

The cookbook will debut during the Heroes & Harvest Community Event on September 11, 2026, at Newtown Commons in Stephens City, Virginia.

Featuring 25 recipes inspired by family traditions, church suppers, community gatherings, and Shenandoah Valley kitchens, the cookbook showcases recipes incorporating Artisan's Finest seasonings, extracts, and Heritage Sausage Seasonings while celebrating the spirit of community that defines the region.

Recipes include favorites such as:

• Golden Rum French Toast Bake
• Bourbon Vanilla Cinnamon Rolls
• Mountain Vegetable Casserole
• Virginia Ham & Bean Soup
• Old Hearth Breakfast Patties
• Tuscan Sausage & Peppers
• Bavarian Brat Skillet
• Sicilian Sweet Stuffed Peppers
• Maplewood Breakfast Bake
• Vanilla Pound Cake
• Bourbon Bread Pudding
• Blackberry Cobbler
• Shenandoah Apple Crisp

The cookbook also includes hosting tips, holiday entertaining ideas, menu planning resources, and information about the mission of CVEB.

Supporting Local Veterans

Proceeds from the cookbook will help support the work of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board, which connects veterans and their families with community resources, support services, and outreach programs throughout the region.

“This project is about more than recipes,” said Chris Marston, co-owner of Artisan's Finest. “Food has always brought people together. We wanted to create something that celebrates community while also supporting those who have served our country.”

Limited First Edition

The initial release will consist of only 25 numbered copies, making the first printing a special collector's edition. Each cookbook will feature:

• Limited-edition numbering
• First Printing designation
• Premium full-color interior pages
• 25 recipes and entertaining resources

A special raffle will also be held for Copy No. 1 of 25, creating an additional fundraising opportunity for CVEB.

Pricing

Limited First Edition numbered copies: $15 presale · $20 event day. Additional donations to CVEB will be accepted during the event. A digital edition will also be available through a QR-accessible format for supporters who wish to contribute while reducing printing costs.

Event Information

Heroes & Harvest Community Event · September 11, 2026 · Newtown Commons, Stephens City, Virginia · Beneficiary: Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB)

Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase cookbooks, meet the creators, learn about CVEB programs, and participate in the raffle benefiting local veterans.

Media contact: Chris Marston, Artisan's Finest · TheArtisansFinest@gmail.com

Supporting Veterans. Celebrating Community. Sharing the Table.