Jello salad was created in 1904 by Mrs. John E. Cook of Pennsylvania. She called it the “Perfection Salad.” The colorful item became especially popular after World War II as a convenient, inexpensive dish for busy housewives. It became overshadowed in the 1960s and 70s with the rise of other cooking trends. Nonetheless, many families still have a favorite recipe or tradition involving the wiggly, sweet or savory treat.
The Deschutes Historical Museum is calling on the public to earn bragging rights by entering the Holiday Gelatin Salad Show on Saturday, Dec. 13. There are four categories including Best Presentation with the fanciest molds; Most Savory; Family Salad Recipe with bonus points for a family photo that includes the salad; and Best Oops, You Tried, showing you gave it a shot, even if it didn’t turn out the way you expected. One winner and one runner-up will be chosen for each category with a Best in Show chosen from among the four winners.
To enter, print an entry form from the museum’s website at deschuteshistory.org and show up with your salad between noon and 1pm on Dec. 13. Judging begins at 1pm. The event is also a food drive, so the museum is asking the public to donate nonperishable food items.
Holiday Gelatin Salad Show
Sat Dec 13 Judging Begins 1pm
Deschutes Historical Museum
129 NW Idaho Ave., Bend
deschuteshistory.org/
Free
This article appears in the Source December 4, 2025.
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