K-State Research and Extension

Summer is getting closer which means county fair season is almost here!

Would you like to judge foods or food preservation? There are some tips and tricks to being an educated judge to education exhibitors to improve exhibits. This is a great opportunity for you to teach!

Another important factor is food safety. While there are thousands of recipes to choose from, not all are appropriate for the fair.

More information is on the Rapid Respone Center website in the Judging at Fairs section.

Extension agents, please send this information to all food and food preservation judges so they are informed.

For food safety purposes, any entries with frostings and fillings must calculate the amount of sugar in the frosting/filling recipe only. Calculation must be attached to entry, or the placing will be lowered one ribbon when judged. Frosting and fillings need to contain more than 65% sugar for safety. Examples on how to calculate this percentage are included in the publication located at: https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF3544.pdf.

While the concept has been encouraged and taught in recent years, it has not been a required item or stated in the rules. It has been added to the 2023 4-H Kansas State Fair book. If possible, you are encouraged to adopt this rule at local county fairs. We realize the timing may be a bit late, considering some fair books have already been printed. Please continue to stress the importance of the safety of frostings and fillings at all fairs and clarify that this new rule will be enforced at the 2023 Kansas State Fair in the 4-H Foods Division. Questions may be directed towards Amy Sollock at asollock@ksu.edu or Karen Blakeslee at kblakesl@ksu.edu.

As the weather warms up, plans are being made for local fairs to exhibit many foods and food preservation items.

A three-part series is about to wrap up on how to judge food and food preservation exhibits at fairs. If you have been a judge or are new to judging, please review all materials so you are up-to-date.

All recordings and information can be found on the Rapid Response Center—Judging at Fairs website. Please contact your local Extension office for more information.

We thank you for being a judge at fairs! This is your opportunity to educate exhibitors and share your knowledge.

Summer is getting closer which means county fair season is almost here!

Would you like to judge foods or food preservation? There are some tips and tricks to being a judge and an educated judge can be a benefit to the exhibitor to give tips to improve exhibits. This is a great opportunity for you to teach!

Another important factor is food safety. While there are thousands of recipes to choose from, not all are appropriate for the fair.

Learn more at www.rrc.k-state.edu/judging/index.html.

Extension agents, please send this information to all food and food preservation judges so they are informed.