Do you have a secret pickle recipe that everyone raves about? Or are you a pickle enthusiast with a knack for creating unique and flavorful combinations? Then we want YOU to enter our Pickling Contest! Whether you make crunchy dill pickles, sweet tangy treats, or spicy creations, this is your chance to show off your skills and compete for exciting prizes!

Bring your best jars, get ready for some serious taste testing, and join us for a fun-filled event where creativity and flavor rule!

Registration is FREE! Sign-up TODAY!

CATEGORIES

1. Submission Requirements

  • Two jars per entry:

    • One jar is for display purposes (viewing and exhibition).

    • One jar is for judging (tasting).

  • Labeling: Each jar must clearly be labeled with the category it is being entered in (e.g., “Dill Pickles,” “Sweet Pickles”). Please do not include personal information on the jars, as judging will be blind.

  • Seals and Safety: Jars must be properly sealed. Wax seals or broken seals will not be accepted.

  • One submission per category: Contestants may submit only one entry per category but are allowed to enter multiple categories.

2. Pickling Guidelines

  • All entries must be homemade: Participants must pickle their items themselves; no pre-made pickles or store-bought pickling solutions.

  • Fresh ingredients only: Use fresh, high-quality vegetables, fruits, and spices to ensure the best pickling results.

  • No refrigeration required: Pickles must be shelf-stable and safely sealed. Refrigerated pickles or those requiring refrigeration after the event will be disqualified.

3. Judging Process

  • Blind Judging: Entries will be assigned numbers, and judges will score based on the pickle’s merits, not the participant's identity.

  • Scoring Criteria: Each entry will be scored on a scale of 1-10 in the following categories (maximum of 40 points total):

    • Appearance (1-10 points): Visual appeal, presentation, and color.

    • Flavor (1-10 points): Balance of tanginess, seasoning, and overall taste.

    • Texture (1-10 points): Crispness, tenderness, or desired consistency.

    • Quality (1-10 points): Freshness, proper preservation, and adherence to the pickling method.

4. Submission Deadline

  • All entries must be submitted by 11:45 AM on the day of the event, 5/31/2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. Drop offs between 10 AM and 11:45 AM. 

  • Judging starts promptly at 12 PM.  Items will remain on display for duration of event and prizes can be picked up at starting at 4:30 PM. 

5. Awards and Prizes

  • Ribbons will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category. 1st place winner will also receive $25, 2nd place $10, and 3rd place $5. 

  • Best in Show: The participant with the highest total score across all entered categories will receive the Best in Show award.

  • In case of a tie for Best in Show, the judges will make a final decision based on their consensus.

6. Additional Guidelines

  • Food Safety: All entries must follow proper food safety guidelines, including sterilizing jars, using fresh ingredients, and ensuring proper sealing to prevent contamination.

  • Cleanliness: Jars should be clean, free of smudges, and neatly labeled.

  • Creativity is Encouraged: This contest is an opportunity for you to show off your pickling skills, so feel free to experiment with unique ingredients and flavors, but always ensure food safety is maintained.