The Second Annual Jam Off was held at Capitol Market today, featuring nearly two dozen different jams, jellies and marmalades. Contestants included: Laura McComas, Up the Holler Goods, Knorrsgaard Jams, Homemade by Londa, Homemade by GiGi, JarHead Farms, Therese Blair and Dreama Viars. Hosted by Liz Martin LLC, the event raised $3,000 raised for Make a Wish West Virginia (the “Organization”), a non-profit organization dedicated to making wishes come true for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Founded by Elizabeth Martin in 2023 and previously hosted by Tudor’s Biscuit World in celebration of its 25-year partnership with the organization, the event’s return marked the company’s first fundraiser and aimed to celebrate Appalachian heritage by supporting and highlighting local jam and jelly makers. In total, the 2025 Jam Off featured 23 different jams, jellies, and preserves from local amateur and commercial artisans throughout the state of West Virginia and bordering area of Ohio, a live musical performance by West Virginia country-rock artist, Brandon Laxton, and a silent auction containing local West Virginia goods including a jam and jelly gift basket consisting of jams and jellies showcased during the event. Public tasting tickets were sold as a part of the Event to allow guests to taste and vote on their favorite flavors with t-shirts and water also available for purchase. During the event, an official judge’s panel featuring Hannah Cline, WCHS TV anchor and former wish child, Steven Kieth, the Food Guy, and yours truly awarded first place to amateur contestant Stacy Holstine AKA Homemade by GiGi (Charleston, WV) for her GiGi’s Christmas Jam entry and commercial contestant Whitney Bolton from Up the Holler Goods (Bob White, WV) for their Peach Habanero entry. Each winner received a certificate and a $500 cash prize. Additionally, the Event featured a People’s Choice category, voted on by the public, and a Wish Kid’s Choice category that allowed a select panel of Make a Wish children to sample each flavor and pick their favorite entry. People’s Choice and Wish Kid’s Choice were both awarded to amateur contestant Therese Blair (Long Bottom, OH) for her Banana entry in which she received two certificates in honor of the victories. I enjoyed 23 different jams from amateurs and commercial vendors. Check them out below!