Paula Deen

Paula Deen, television personality, cookbook author, magazine publisher and restaurant owner, will host and officiate over Paula Deen’s Great Party Challenge! on Sunday, April 21, at 3 p.m. at the High Point Theatre. The event is sponsored by the High Point Market Authority with Universal Furniture, Inc.

Based on the spring market theme of “Inspiration,” five teams of local culinary students will design and prepare edible centerpieces inspired by one of five typical family gatherings: a child’s birthday, graduation, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. Organizers selected students for their creativity and ability to create under pressure. Students will have a limited amount of time to assemble a centerpiece, which is 24 or more inches high.

“We are excited about having Paula Deen officiate over this type of event at the High Point Market,” said Cheminne Taylor-Smith, vp/marketing for the market authority. “Creative cooking competitions are popular all over the country, so it’s wonderful to have one here in High Point. It’s a great opportunity for local culinary students to show off their talents and be able to receive Paula’s unique brand of feedback. And it offers buyers a fun, entertaining event during market.”

Deen said, “When I invite people into my home, I love to have a centerpiece that pulls the party together and creates a focal point. I can’t wait to see what these talented students come up with. What’ll make this even more exciting is that they have under an hour to pull it off.”            

At the conclusion of the challenge, 50 buyers in the audience will have the opportunity to meet Paula. Everyone who attends will receive a copy of the May issue of Cooking with Paula Deen.

The spring market in High Point, NC, runs from April 20 to 25.