Tri-State Fair Specialty Events Announced

Cooks of All Ages Get Into The Competition

Contact: Sue Church, 806-373-0173, schurch@ag.tamu.edu

AMARILLO, TX The special culinary events are expected to attract chefs large and small to the Texas Ford Dealers Tri-State Fair and Rodeo.

     The newest addition to the culinary competitions is the Karo Syrup Kids Cookie Contest on Sept. 19 and the Bake for the Cure Baking Contest by Fleischmann’s Yeast on Sept. 20, said Sue Church, Texas AgriLife Extension Service agent in Potter County.

     “In the Karo contest, any cookie or bar that a kid likes is welcome, from a classic cookie to the most creative,” Church said.

     The competition is open to all ages. Prizes of $100, $50 and $25 will be awarded in the Top Tasting Kids Cookies (up to 10 ingredients plus Karo) category, and $75 will be awarded to the Best No-Bake Cookie (up to six ingredients and Karo).

The competition will be held at 11 a.m. in the Rex Baxter Building. All exhibitors should enter through Gate 2 and only the exhibitor with the cookie will be free, all others must pay gate admission.

     The 2009 Fleischmann’s Yeast contest includes two categories: yeast breads of any type and flavor or batter breads or recipes with no need for kneading or multiple-rise times, Church said. The first place winners in both categories advance to grand prize judging for a $1,000 national award.

For every entry, Fleischmann’s Yeast (ACH Food Companies) will contribute to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, she said. The competition is at 2 p.m. on Sept. 20 in the Rex Baxter Building.

     The following is an outline of all the other specialty contests open for entrees from the general public during the Tri-State Fair. All competitions will be held in the Rex Baxter Building. In each case, only the entrant will receive free gate admission one hour prior to the start of the competition. All entrants must go to Gate 2.

     The Great American Spam contest is looking for “effortless” main dishes this year. The contest is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sept. 19. The adult contest offers a national grand prize of $3,000, plus local awards of $150 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third. The Kids Spam Chef of the Year contest, open to youth ages 7-17, offers a $2,000 national prize, and local awards of $60 for first; $30 for second and $10 for third.

     The annual Arrowhead Mills Dessert contest is set for Sept. 19, with entries accepted at 5:30 p.m. and judging starting at 6 p.m. All desserts must have at least one cup of any Arrowhead Mills product in it. This year the competition will have two age divisions B adult and youth. Prizes for youth are $100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third. Adult prizes are $150 for first, $75 for second and $50 for third. Rosettes and merchandise from Arrowhead Mills will be given to all winners.

     The Quick and Tasty Casserole Contest will be Sept. 22, with entries accepted at 5:30 p.m. and judging at 6 p.m. The casserole must be prepared at home and have 10 ingredients or less. Sponsored by Marty=s, the top three placings will be awarded $250, $150 and $100, respectively.

     VIP Pecan Pie Contest will be Sept. 23. Entries will be accepted at 5:30 p.m. and judging will be at 6 p.m. Only one pie per contestant will be accepted. The Tri-State Fair Board-sponsored contest will award $100 to first, $50 to second and $25 to third.

     Abuelo’s Homemade Salsa Contest will be Sept. 24, with entries accepted at 5 p.m. and judging at 6 p.m. There will be two categories this year, tomato-based salsas and non-tomato based salsas (i.e. avocado, mango, other fruits, etc.) One entry per person per category and all entries must be one pint or larger. The salsa must have been prepared within three days of the event. Winners will receive $100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third.

     The Fresh Baked Yeast Dinner Roll Contest will take place Sept. 25. Entries will be accepted at 5:30 p.m. and judging will begin at 6 p.m. Enter six fresh-baked dinner rolls prepared from scratch using the traditional way or a bread machine. Prizes offered are $100 to first, $50 to second and $25 to third. The contest is sponsored by the Texas Wheat Producers.

     The Hot Wings Contest entries will be accepted at 5:30 p.m. and judged at 6 p.m. on Sept. 26. Each entry must consist of 10 chicken hot wings brought to the site hot. No commercial sauces allowed. Sponsored by Marty=s, the top three placings will be awarded $100, $75 and $25, respectively.  

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