Beans

Competition Registration

The Beans Cook-Off is where tradition meets creativity, giving cooks the freedom to showcase beans in any style imaginable. From smoky baked beans, country style and hearty ranch-style recipes to refreshing cold bean salads, this category is all about flavor, originality, and flair. Competitors can use any type or combination of beans, seasoned and prepared however they choose. Judging will be left in the hands of the community—attendees who purchase a judging ballot will sample each entry and cast their vote for the best dish. The winner will earn true bragging rights as Fannin County’s very best in beans. 

The Beans competition will be judged by the community through individual tasting samples.  Picnic attendees may purchase a Ballot and be an "official judge" for the beans category.  Competitors will need to prepare sufficient amounts to provide 3-5 oz. sample cups with their entry for picnic attendees acting as judges.  Competitors may "bring prepared" or "prepare onsite" their sample cups for judging.  It is not required to prepare your entry on site to compete.  The beans competition requires the completion of the required entry form and payment of the entry $20 entry fee prior to day of the Picnic.  Registration of entries will not be taken on the day of the Picnic, September 13th.  Competitors in the beans category will be able to pick up their sample cups and lids in advance if they wish on Tuesday through Thursday, September 9th through 11th or the morning of the Picnic.

Prizes

"Best" Beans Champion will receive a check in the amount of 30% of  Beans Category Entry Fees & Medal/Trophy

"Best" Beans Reserve Champion will receive a check in the amount of  20% of  Beans Category Entry Fees & Medal/Trophy

Judging

The judging for the Beans category will be performed by picnic attendees that purchase a judging ballot, sample entries and return their ballot for final decision compilation.  The Champion will be determined by the most votes and the Reserve Champion will be determined by the second most votes tabulated from returned ballots.  In the event that there is a tie vote, the tied entries will be drawn for Champion and Reserve determination.  The first drawn entry will be the champion and the second drawn entry will be the reserve champion.

The  following suggested criteria will be provided to community judges for the Beans category entries:

 Creativity & Style

• Does the dish show originality in ingredients, combinations, or presentation?

• Is it a unique take (baked, ranch style, salad, spicy, sweet, etc.)?

• Does it bring something new to the table while still tasting good?

Flavor 

• How enjoyable is the taste overall?

• Do the seasonings, sauces, or spices complement the beans?

• Is it memorable enough to stand out among the entries?

Overall Impression 

• Would you go back for another serving?

• Did the dish “wow” you as a community judge?

• Does it feel like a dish worthy of Fannin County’s Best Beans title?

Check-In for entries in the Beans Category will begin at 10:30 AM on September 13th and judging is expected to begin at 11 AM as the Picnic begins.  Each competitor will be will be assigned a number, in numerical order as entries are checked-in and given a placard with that assigned number to place at your sample station for community judging purposes.  Winner announcements and awards presentations will be made in the afternoon according to the Picnic schedule.

Note:  This is not a sanctioned cook-off event.