2022 "Apple Fest" BBQ Cook-Off
COOKING COMPETITION RULES
These official rules apply to ALL Contestants. Rules are subject to change according to the guidelines of the Onslow County Health Department.
Awards will be given as follows:
1st Place BBQ: $500 Cash + Trophy
2nd Place BBQ: $250 Cash + Trophy
People's Choice BBQ: $100 + Trophy
OPTIONAL: BBQ Sauce Judging: $50 + Trophy
1.) The Head Chef or Competitor named on the application is in charge of the tent and cooking area at all times and is responsible for the conduct and actions of his team members.
2.) The Team's Chief must attend a MANDATORY meeting with the Head of Competition at 7pm on Friday, Oct 14th. This meeting will run thru the basic rules and how judging will take place. Your (2) Pork Butts will also be selected by drawing numbers. Any extra pork butts will be passed out as well to anyone who would like to volunteer to cook extra BBQ for sampling purposes. After the meeting, you will be allowed to set up your space. A porta potty will be provided for your use. You will also have access to water.
3.) A copy of the Judging Sheet will be issued at the meeting, but has been attached at the bottom, as well. This is a DOUBLE BLIND judging event. Judges will have NO knowledge of who has cooked the meats.
4.) You may set up using a pop up tent and tables as you wish. We have a LOT of open space. TWO Parking Tags will be issued, please place these in the dash of your vehicle. Other vehicles must park in the public parking field. If you plan on bringing an RV or large trailer please inform us in advance.
5.) We have a large field reserved for this event. POWER will be supplied but you MUST bring your own extension cord.
6.) Contestants may not sell any food or drinks during the sampling period, but MAY sell their own bottled BBQ sauces IF these sauces meet NC Health Inspections/Approved laws. You are responsible for collecting and paying your own sales tax, and your Sales ID # must be present.
7.) All meats must be cooked in above ground cookers.
8.) All teams must provide and use their own grease drip pans. Grease is to be collected and disposed of OFF SITE.
9.) All spaces must be left clean and debris free, to include any meat droppings, wood, charcoal, etc. Do NOT empty any grease, charcoal or wood embers on the ground. Bring appropriate containers to carry this type of debris OFF SITE for disposal.
10.) Open fire pits (not meant for cooking) will be allowed in portable fire pits with lids ONLY. Absolutely NO open flames should be left unattended at any time. These fire pits can only be used during the night time hours while cooking and for safety reasons, must be completely extinguished prior to the gates opening to the public at 2pm. We will be selling a limited number of VIP tickets with entry at 1pm.
11.) All gas cookers are required to meet safety standards.
12.) ALL booths will require a certified fire extinguisher that is up-to-date.
13.) Judging Containers: we will provide divider-free clam shells for judging purposes.
14.) Each booth must have, for sanitary reasons: a) water b.) soap c.) hand sanitizer d.) paper towels e.) container or bucket to catch gray water.
15.) TURN IN TIMES: All Judging Samples will need to be turned in to the Judging Area NO LATER THAN 12:30pmam. (Judging area will be identified at team meeting.) There shall be absolutely NO entry into the Judging area or any contact with any judge until the official judging has completed. The amount of meat to be turned in will be identified at the Team Meeting.
***Keep cooking times in mind according to judging times, so all meats will be properly cooked.
16.) Sampling: Once you have entered your BBQ/Sauce for judging, you may begin prepping the remaining meat for sampling. Sampling is free to everyone between 2-4pm or *while supplies last. If you have a large amount of meat leftover, we request you bag it in the provided ziplock baggies to donate to the Marine Volunteers. *(not mandatory) This sampling period is YOUR time to talk up your meats, explain your cooking techniques, allow people to sample extra sauce, etc, and ask for their People's Choice Vote. Humphrey Farm will supply sampling cups, forks and napkins.
17.) People's Choice: There will be a table with bags marked with each Team Name and Team Number. Guests will be given a single ticket to vote for their favorite. You will be provided a printed Sign for your table, as well.
18.) Winners, Trophies and Prize Monies will be announced on the Small Stage at the Little Red Barn, Saturday at approx 4:30pm. (or as soon as samples have run out)
19.) If for some reason a competitor needs to withdraw from the Judging, please notify Humphrey Farm AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
20.) When serving samples to the public, please prepare sample cups from your rear table or back table due to the lack of sneeze guards, if possible. Hot holding equipment must maintain a food temperature of at least 135 degrees F.
21.) The use of sanitary gloves is required at all times while handling food. Individuals are responsible for cleanup of their site once the competition has ended.
23.) Once all sampling has been completed or 4pm arrives, whichever comes first, you may start packing up. PLEASE be aware of festival goers as you move and pack up your vehicles. We will open the side gates for you to exit safely.
24.) Any meat deemed "undercooked" will be disqualified. We highly suggest you use a meat thermometer if you are unsure.
25.) The final judging scores will be provided, as requested, after the announcement of winners. A copy can be emailed upon request.
26.) The Apple Fest BBQ Cook-Off Coordinators, or the Head of Competition, reserves the right to refuse any contestant the right to compete. If a competitor or his team is the source of arguing, profanity or a major disturbance at any time during the event, you will be disqualified and may be asked to leave the festivals grounds.
27.) Decisions of the Judging and People's Choice Votes are FINAL.
28.) Any violation of any of these rules and conditions may be grounds for disqualification and removal from the event.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
•Appearance
•Tenderness
•Taste
Here is a sample of the Judging Sheet. *(subject to change)
FEAST AT THE FARM BBQ COOK OFF SCORE CARD.
JUDGE NUMBER_____ MEAT_______________
SCORE 1 BAD 5 GOOD CIRCLE NUMBER
BOX NUMBER
•Appearance 1 2 3 4 5
•Tenderness 1 2 3 4 5
•Taste 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE______
BOX NUMBER
•Appearance 1 2 3 4 5
•Tenderness 1 2 3 4 5
•Taste 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE______
BOX NUMBER
•Appearance 1 2 3 4 5
•Tenderness 1 2 3 4 5
•Taste 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE______
BOX NUMBER
•Appearance 1 2 3 4 5
•Tenderness 1 2 3 4 5
•Taste 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE______
BOX NUMBER
•Appearance 1 2 3 4 5
•Tenderness 1 2 3 4 5
•Taste 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE______
BOX NUMBER
•Appearance 1 2 3 4 5
•Tenderness 1 2 3 4 5
•Taste 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE______
BOX NUMBER
•Appearance 1 2 3 4 5
•Tenderness 1 2 3 4 5
•Taste 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE______
BOX NUMBER
•Appearance 1 2 3 4 5
•Tenderness 1 2 3 4 5
•Taste 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE______
BOX NUMBER
•Appearance 1 2 3 4 5
•Tenderness 1 2 3 4 5
•Taste 1 2 3 4 5
TOTAL SCORE______
COMMENTS; ______________________________________________________________
If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to compete in this year's event, please email: humphreyfarmnc@yahoo.com