Desserts

Competition Registration

The Dessert Cook-Off is a sweet showcase of creativity, where bakers and cooks can bring any kind of treat to the table—cakes, cookies, pies, cobblers, puddings, or something completely unique. With no limits on style or flavor, this competition is all about satisfying the sweet tooth and delighting the crowd. Picnic attendees who purchase a judging ballot will sample the desserts and cast their votes, making this a true community choice contest. The winner will walk away with bragging rights as the undisputed dessert champion of Fannin County. 

The Dessert competition will be judged by the community through individual tasting samples.  Picnic attendees may purchase a Ballot and be an "official judge" for the dessert 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 dessert 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 dessert 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" Dessert Champion will receive a check in the amount of 30% of  Dessert Category Entry Fees & Medal/Trophy

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

Judging

The judging for the Dessert 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 & Originality

• Does the dessert stand out as unique or memorable?

• Is it a fresh take on a classic (like pie, cookies, cake) or something unexpected?

• Did the maker show imagination in flavor, style, or presentation?

Flavor 

• How delicious is the dessert overall?

• Do the flavors balance well (not too sweet, bland, or overpowering)?

• Would you want a second helping?

Overall Impression 

• Does it look appetizing and inviting?

• Was it served in a way that enhances the experience?

• Does it leave a strong, positive overall impression?

Check-In for entries in the Dessert 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.