Smokin' on the Square

Smokin’ on the Square – Contest Rules

Folk Fest BBQ Cookoff

Event Overview

Dish: Each contestant will smoke 10 pounds of pork butt
Start of Cooking: Friday, April 18th, any time after noon
Judging: Saturday, April 19th at 3pm by a panel of 6 judges
Additional Requirement: Contestants must also provide samples for festival attendees

Contestant Responsibilities

Entry & Setup:
Each contestant is responsible for their own station, equipment, and ingredients.
Bring at minimum 10 pounds of pork butt—no substitutions.

You will be provided a space that is 15' x 15'.  No Trailers are permitted.

Cooking Guidelines:
Begin cooking any time after noon on Friday, April 18th.
Ensure your pork butt is fully smoked and ready for judging by Saturday, April 19th at 3pm.

Food Safety:
Maintain safe storage and cooking temperatures at all times.
Prevent cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw and cooked meat.

Presentation & Sampling:
Present your dish in a way that highlights your BBQ skills.
Offer ample samples for both the judges and festival attendees.

Judging Criteria

Taste & Flavor
Smoke Quality

Texture and tenderness

Liability & Compliance

All participants must sign a waiver releasing the Mountain View Area Chamber of Commerce from liability related to food safety or other incidents.
Contestants are responsible for complying with all local health and safety regulations.
 

Contest Rules

Contestant Provides:

1. Smoker/Grill
2. 10 pounds of pork butt
3. Cooking Utensils
4. Rubs, seasoning, and sauces

Items Provided:

1. Prep tables
2. Serving dishes and forks
3. Serving gloves

Cooking Area:
The cooking area will open for participants at noon on Friday and must be kept clean at all times.  Someone must be by the smoker at all times.  Fire extinguishers will be on site for emergencies.

Food Safety:
Maintain safe storage and cooking temperatures at all times.
Prevent cross-contamination by using separate utensils for raw and cooked meat.

Food Prep and Cooking:

All food must be prepped and cooked on site.

Judging:
Judging will begin at 3pm on Saturday, April 19th.  Awards will be announced after all judging has been completed.

Entry Fee and Prizes:
There is no cost to enter the event. 

Prize money will be awarded as follows:

1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $75

Clean-Up:
Each contestant is responsible for cleaning the area at the end of the day’s activities.

Cooking Area Access:
Only three (3) cooks are allowed in the roped-off “cooking” area at any given time.  No other family members, friends, relatives, long-lost pals, or enemies are allowed in the area. For safety reasons, children under the age of 12 are not permitted. Failure to comply may result in disqualification from the competition. 

Conduct:
This event is intended to be fun and entertaining. Committee members for the Folk Fest are volunteers who participate for their enjoyment and have no affiliations with any participants; therefore, they treat everyone equally and with respect. In return, they should be treated with the same respect. Any abusive behavior by contestants during registration or cooking will not be tolerated. Any violators will be disqualified from the competition.