Crock-Pot Cook-Off

The Sullivan County Fair Crock-Pot Cook-Off

Date: Thursday, August 6, 2026

Location: Sullivan County Fairgrounds (Piney Flats, TN)

Entry Fee: $10 per category (Benefits The Miss Sullivan County Fair Pageant Scholarship)

Competition Categories

To keep things competitive and organized, entrants will compete in three distinct divisions:

  • The Chili Championship: Anything goes—Texas red, white chicken, or vegetarian. Heat levels must be labeled (Mild, Medium, or “Call the Fire Department”).
  • Savory Soups & Stews: From classic beef stew and Brunswick stew to creamy potato soups.
  • Slow-Cooker Sweets: Yes, Crock-Pots make dessert! Think cobblers, bread puddings, and molten lava cakes.

Rules & Guidelines

  • Equipment: All dishes must be served directly from a standard electric slow cooker (Crock-Pot or similar brand).
  • Quantity: Participants must prepare a minimum of 4 quarts to ensure enough volume for both the judging panel and the “People’s Choice” public tasting.
  • Prep: Your dish must be fully cooked and able to be just kept warm before arriving at the grounds.
  • Power: The fair will provide access to standard 110V power strips. Competitors must bring their own heavy-duty, indoor/outdoor extension cord (minimum 10 feet).
  • Food Safety: All slow cookers must maintain a minimum holding temperature of 140°F (60°C) during the judging phase

Judging Criteria

A panel of three local judges will score each entry on a 40-point scale:

CriteriaPointsDescription
Taste & Balance15 ptsFlavor profile, seasoning, and overall deliciousness
Texture10 ptsMeat tenderness, vegetable firmness, and consistency
Originality10 ptsUnique ingredients or creative twists on a classic
Aroma & Appearance5 ptsHow appetizing it looks and smells in the pot

Prizes:

First place in each category receives a $100 cash prize and a Sullivan County Fair Blue Ribbon. The overall highest-scoring dish wins the “Grand Champion Crock-Pot”. 

Event Day Schedule

Competitor Check-in & Setup

2:00 PM

Cooks arrive at the exhibition station, find their assigned table space, plug in their cookers, and arrange their garnishes.

Official Judging Begins

3:00 PM

Blind taste-testing by the panel begins. Runners will bring numbered bowls from the cookers to the judges’ table.

Awards

4:00 PM

Winners are announced at the exhibition station, ribbons are awarded, and the Grand Champion is crowned.

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