Eight years ago Billy Manson had a vision — to have the Vineyard go wild. He had already curated several wild food challenges around the world, but now he wanted to enlist his fellow Islanders in the cause — a hearty bunch with a history and taste for living on the edge. He was sure they would embrace cooking and eating fried crickets or roasted squirrel smothered in nettles.

He was right. Now in its eight year, the Wild Food Challenge is a rite of fall and a rite of passage for both professional and home cooks. This year’s celebration is Sunday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Farm Institute on Katama. Visit localwildfoodchallenge.com for specifics on how to enter and what to cook — basically anything as long as it has one wild and local food ingredient. Or just come to watch and taste nature’s bounty.

For the less adventurous eaters, Josh Aronie will be on hand serving tacos from The Food Truck. Music will rock care of The Chandler Blues Band, and The Phil DeRosa Project with Siren Mayhew and Ricky Prime.

Cost is $20 to attend, but free for kids and competitors.