Festivals, fairs offer cook-offs, contests

By KARI KRAMER | East Texas Edition

Sept. 16, 2004 - The passing of summer and the journey into fall often brings comfortable weather for several festivals in the area. Many festivals include cooking competitions as part of the celebration.

From popular events such as the East Texas State Fair in Tyler and county festivals, to smaller events held in towns across Northeast Texas, cooking contests are stirring up good recipes and friendly competition.

This year the East Texas State Fair will hold a baked goods contest and a homemade ice cream contest. Sue Higginbotham won last year's ice cream contest with her homemade peach ice cream. She said she bought the peaches, froze them and then later used them to make the winning treat. She went home with a check and a trophy following last years win.

"It just made me feel good. All my friends were impressed," said Higginbotham, who is entering again this year with the same recipe.

The Hopkins County Fall Festival in Sulphur Springs Sept. 11-18, will include the World Champion stew cook-off. Over 100 people have entered the contest according to event organizers. The stew judging will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18. At 11:30 a.m. the stew will be served to the public for $5 a bowl. Last year Blake Sheffield and his group of firefighters won the competition with their chicken stew. Sheffield and crew will be entering again this year with a similar recipe.

The Chick-fest cook-off in Pittsburg proves that a small-town festival can still draw large participation. The barbecue competition at the Sept. 18 Chick-fest is expected to have over 50 entries from all across the state, said Kendal Burns, event coordinator. Ribs, brisket, chicken and beans will be cooked at the competition. The winning payouts start at $1,000 in some divisions.

Marietta, like many towns, will be hosting a fall festival. The Oct. 2 celebration in this Cass County town will include a baking and canning contest.

As competitions for homemade goods grow, festival organizers are accommodating the contestants. This year the State Fair of Texas is not requiring preregistration for several contests, including the junior baking competitions. That contest will take place Saturday, Oct. 16, at 9 a.m. For information about State Fair contests, visit the Extension office in your county, or download an entry form at www.bigtex.com.