THE RULES

Please note these were the rules for the 2024 Cook-Off and may change for next year’s competition.

There are 3 cook-off Categories: Brisket, Side, and Dessert. You may choose to compete in any combination of categories you desire, just make sure to pay for each entry. You may only enter one item into each category.

Competitors will set up a station at the festival to have their food available for tasting by the festival visitors.

The winner in each category will be determined by a vote. Each visitor to the festival will receive 3 poker chips, a red one, a white one, and a blue one. From 12-2pm the visitors will taste each competitor’s entry and vote for their favorite in each category by dropping a chip into a locked box at that competitor’s station. Red chips are used to vote for brisket, white chips for sides, and blue chips for dessert.

At 2pm, tasting/voting is over. All locked boxes will be collected and the chips tallied to determine the winner in each category.

Since this is a tasting that is open to the public, each competitor needs a food handler’s card. We know it’s a pain but it’s required by the health inspector. If you already have one, then don’t worry but if you need one there are lots of choices online and it only take about 15 minutes. Click here for one that we recommend.

All categories are winner-take-all all. Max Prize for brisket is $500. Max prize for side is $100. Max Prize for Dessert is $100.

BRISKET COOK-OFF RULES

1) All briskets MUST be smoked on site.

2) By entering the brisket competition, your team will be allowed to camp at the festival on Friday and Saturday Night. You can check in beginning at noon on Friday March 1st and begin to set up your camp and begin smoking. Briskets must be finished and ready to serve at 12pm on Saturday, March 2nd.

3) Competitors cannot share a smoker (each team needs their own equipment).

4) Each competitor in the brisket competition must have a fire extinguisher on hand. If you don’t have one, you can rent one from us for $25.

5) RV’s, 5th wheels, Pop-ups, tents, are all allowed. Just keep in mind that it is a dry camp with no hook-ups/dump station.

6) Each serving for the Public should be no bigger than a 1 inch cube. We are expecting a crowd of 200 people so please plan accordingly.

7) You can Baste/mop your brisket, but no sauces on the side.

BEST SIDE & DESSERT COMPETITION RULES

1) Sides and desserts can be made off-site and brought to the festival on Saturday March 2nd. Make sure you are set up and ready to serve by 12pm.

2) Each serving should be no bigger than 2 tablespoons. We are expecting a crowd of 200 people so please plan accordingly.

3) Side/Dessert Entries do not include overnight camping privileges.

If you’d like any further info before signing up please don’t hesitate to call Carol on 940 312 8030 or email carol@smokinhotfest.com.