Boardman’s Annual Pizza Cook-Off Serves Up Slice of Community Spirit

The aroma of baking dough and simmering sauce filled the air along Boardman’s riverfront this past weekend as the community gathered for its highly anticipated annual Pizza Cook-Off. The friendly competition, a staple of local spring events, saw amateur and semi-pro chefs from across Morrow County fire up portable ovens in a bid for culinary bragging rights.

Contestants were judged on a trio of key categories: crust quality, creativity of toppings, and overall flavor. This year’s entries pushed beyond traditional pepperoni, featuring bold, locally-inspired combinations. One standout pie incorporated ingredients from nearby farms, including roasted poblano peppers and fresh cilantro, earning praise from the panel of local business owners and food enthusiasts.

“It’s more than just pizza,” said event organizer Maria Chen, owner of The Rivertown Cafe. “It’s a chance for neighbors to connect, support our local ag producers, and celebrate what makes our town special. You can taste the community in every slice.”

Beyond the savory competition, the event functioned as a lively street festival. Families enjoyed live music from a Hermiston-based band while kids participated in dough-tossing demonstrations. Proceeds from the event’s beverage garden will benefit the Boardman Parks and Recreation Department, funding upcoming summer youth sports programs.

As the sun set over the Columbia River, the winner was crowned: first-time entrants “The Dough-Boys,” a team of Boardman High School culinary students, took home the golden pizza peel trophy with their “River Rat Special,” a hearty meat-lover’s pie. The victory signals a delicious new generation of homegrown talent rising in Boardman’s vibrant local scene.