The fried-food contest that’s brought state-wide fame to many a contestant is making a big change. And why not? Everything’s big in Texas, including the Big Tex Choice Awards at the State Fair of Texas. In previous contests, two concession items were chosen winners: one for Best Taste and one for Most Creative. Now growing to include a third category as well as more finalists (expanding from 8 to 10), Lone Star State foodie fans and creators can partake of the delicious fried goodness that makes this contest the masterpiece that it is.
With two winners under the Best Taste category, one concessionaire can win for Sweet and one for Savory. And of course, Most Creative is still a category in and of itself, which sometimes makes the state quite proud and has been known to be featured on national television. A prime example of our fascination with fried foods and the inventiveness that can result from concocting them is the 2016 entry of Fernie’s Down Home Chicken Pot Pie Pocket with Mac N’ Cheese Dip. Created by Christi Erpillo, it’s a mouthful to say and a wonderfully delectable mouthful to eat.
A ticketed event held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 27, will feature the 10 finalists at Fair Park in Dallas. Wanting the opportunity to taste-test all of the finalists’ entries, serious fair foodie fans grab their tickets fast for this well-loved fried-tastic food event (try and say that 10 times fast).
The State Fair of Texas is presently accepting Big Tex Choice Awards entries. Today is actually turn-in day for contestants. To qualify, one must have been a concessionaire at the State Fair for a minimum of one year. Participants will be up against some stiff competition, as those that devote their time and energy into creating their food masterpieces employ entire families and lists of friends to test their recipes throughout the year. Upon submission to the contest, these fried creations have to go through a number of judging rounds before reaching the finalist round.
We have chatted with several of this year’s participants and they promised to share their entry when they are able to. so look for this fun news soon on craveDFW.
The State Fair of Texas will be held from September 29 to October 22 in Dallas, and fair food fans are invited to bring their appetites as well as feast their eyes on some Texas-fried deliciousness.
