Who has the best milkshake? Rehoboth contest will pick the best

If you haven't ever noticed, Chip Hearn likes to have fun.

The quirky Hot Sauce Hall of Famer and owner of Peppers and The Ice Cream Store in Rehoboth Beach is a showman. The multitude of options and interesting names of the ice creams at the Rehoboth Avenue front prove that.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22, Hearn will put his promotional nature to the test as he hosts the first Delaware State Milkshake Championships at Mug & Spoon, which is co-owned by his daughter, Aileen.

The contest begins at 1 p.m.

Hearn has sent invitations to many businesses throughout Delaware. The competition is open to any business that makes milkshakes or any business that "should be making milkshakes," Hearn said.

Contestants will compete in three categories. The categories are: Best use of coffee product in a milk shake, best overall milkshake, and best showcase milkshake.

First place in each category receives $100 while second place is good for a $50 prize.

Expected participants include Delaware staples like Vanderwende, Hopkins and more. Mug & Spoon and The Ice Cream Store will also have participants.

Non-traditional businesses like Cultured Pearl, who Hearn said is doing a play on a bourbon shake, will compete, as will Dogfish's Chesapeake & Maine.

Hearn said the judges include media members like WRDE's Bob Backman and Rehoboth Foodie's Bob Yesbek. Steve Elkins from CAMP Rehoboth is also scheduled to be a judge, and so, too, is Alyssa Titus of Schell Brothers and CHEF.

Hearn said he will not be one of the judges but will be taking plenty of photos.

“They’ve got to deconstruct the things, too," Hearn said of the judges. "If someone puts something on top of it or in front of it… I have no idea what they’re going to do. I told Cultured Pearl to put some sushi on the plate.

“I think it’d be great if a little teeny place wins. That stuff is cool.”

READ MORE: Milkshakes that take the cake - and put it on top

Contestants are required to bring all their own ingredients and supply judges with a recipe sheet.

Hearn said he's not exactly sure how it will go over and is using this first competition as a test to see if maybe next year he'll need to utilize the sidewalk outside or perhaps even take the competition to the bandstand.

“I told all my people: You don’t have to win but you better have fun," Hearn said. "If you’re not having fun then we did this wrong."