Welcome to the Cooking Competitions at the North Carolina Mountain State Fair!
Are you passionate about cooking with fresh, local ingredients? Do you have a recipe that’s been passed down through generations—or one you’ve perfected yourself? Then fire up your creativity and bring your best dish to the Mountain State Fair Cooking Contests—a delicious celebration of North Carolina’s agricultural bounty!
From tomatoes to sweetpotatoes, seafood to dairy, these contests are the perfect opportunity for amateur home cooks to shine. Whether you're a kitchen veteran or a first-time contestant, we invite you to join the fun and showcase your culinary talents.
Superintendents: Jessica Mollet & Abigail Pierce
Presented by: Got to Be NC Agriculture
Location: NEW LOCATION – EXPO BUILDING (Gate 1F)
Entry Deadline: August 8, 2025 by 11:55 PM (Online entries only)
Recipes are due on contest day.
Each contest requires an original recipe, typed or clearly written on the official Recipe Format Sheet (see page 116). No internet-printed recipes will be accepted. Recipes become the property of the fair and may be published by the fair or sponsoring organizations.
🔹 Amateurs only, please!
Culinary professionals and the immediate families of superintendents are not eligible to compete.
🎟️ Exhibitor Admission & Parking:
Exhibitors will receive a Gate 1F parking pass by mail after the entry deadline and will be admitted free with their dish on the day of their contest (exhibitor only).
📍 Drop-off & Entry Location:
Gate 1F – EXPO Building
Please note: Delivery times will be strictly enforced.