Red, white and blue ribbons available

Photo courtesy of The State Fair of Texas

The State Fair of Texas is known for its culinary creations, and there’s no better place to see Texans serving up creative concoctions than the State Fair of Texas Cooking Contests. Held during the Fair each year, amateur cooks compete in contests to bring home the coveted blue (or purple) ribbon and bragging rights. With five new contests this year, there’s an opportunity for every Texan to add their own personal flavor to a contest. Pre-registration is now available online at BigTex.com/CreativeArts, where you can also download the 2022 Cooking Contest handbook. Although pre-registration is not required, it is requested. Contestants may register on the day of the contest online or when they turn in their entries. Blank entry forms will be available on-site the day of the competitions. The cooking contests join the arts and crafts Creative Arts competition opportunities. Following a two-year hiatus, the Big Tex BBQ & Chili Challenge makes a triumphant return to the pre-Fair cooking contest lineup. — Karissa Condoianis