The Inaugural Sullivan County Sweet & Savory Showdown
Welcome to the ultimate celebration of local baking talent at the Sullivan County Fair! Whether you are keeping a hundred-year-old Appalachian family recipe alive or experimenting with a brand-new flavor combination, this contest is for you. Dust off your rolling pins and preheat your ovens!
Contest Categories
Bakers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Please select the appropriate category for your entry.
| Category | Description | Age Division |
| Appalachian Heritage | Traditional regional favorites: Stack cakes, cornbread, biscuits, or fried apple pies. | Open to All |
| Blue Ribbon Pies | Fruit, nut, or custard pies. Must feature a homemade, from-scratch crust. | Open to All |
| Homestyle Cakes | Layer cakes, pound cakes, or bundt cakes. (No store-bought mixes). | Open to All |
| Creative Confections | Cupcakes, cookies, or brownies showcasing unique flavors or decorations. | Open to All |
| The Savory Skillet | Savory baked goods like artisan breads, focaccia, or savory scones. | Open to All |
| Sourdough Creations | Pancakes, english muffins, donuts, cinnamon rolls, brownies and other creative ideas for that starter you have lying around. | Open to All |
Judging Criteria
Our panel of local chefs, community leaders, and former blue-ribbon winners will score each entry based on a 100-point scale:
- Taste (50 points): Flavor profile, balance of sweetness/saltiness, and overall deliciousness.
- Texture (25 points): Crumb, flakiness of crust, moistness, or appropriate chewiness.
- Appearance (15 points): Visual appeal, uniformity, and creativity in presentation.
- Originality/Heritage (10 points): The story behind the recipe, creative twist, or adherence to Appalachian tradition.
Note to Bakers: A typed or neatly handwritten recipe card must accompany every entry. This allows judges to verify ingredients in case of allergies and understand your baking process!
Event Schedule
Date: Saturday during the Sullivan County Fair
Location: The Main Stage Area
- 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Baked Goods Drop-off & Registration
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Closed Judging (closed to the public)
- 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Public Viewing & Bake Sale (Leftovers from entries sold for our scholarship foundation. We encourage you to bake extra so we can put extra into the scholarship fund.)
- 3:00 PM: Awards Ceremony & Crowning of “Best in Show”
Rules & Regulations
- Amateurs Only: This contest is strictly for home bakers. Professional bakers, pastry chefs, or those who run commercial bakeries are not eligible.
- From Scratch: All entries must be made entirely from scratch. The use of pre-made pie crusts, boxed cake mixes, or canned frostings will result in immediate disqualification.
- Food Safety: Items that require refrigeration (e.g., cheesecakes, cream pies, meat-filled pastries) are not permitted due to the lack of cold storage at the pavillion.
- Presentation: Entries must be submitted on disposable plates or in disposable pans. The Sullivan County Fair Board is not responsible for returning glassware or heirloom dishes.
- Entry Limit: Participants may enter up to two different categories but can only submit one item per category.
- Entry Fee: $5
Prizes & Awards
Winners will be celebrated on the Main Stage and featured in all media the fair participates in.
| Award Level | Prize |
| Best in Show | Grand Champion Rosette, $150 Cash Prize, a custom engraved cutting board. |
| 1st Place (Per Category) | Blue Ribbon and a $75 gift card. |
| 2nd Place (Per Category) | Red Ribbon, $50 gift card. |
| 3rd Place (Per Category) | White Ribbon, $25 gift card. |
Get ready to show off your baking skills and bring a taste of home to the Sullivan County Fair!