The State Fair of Texas has announced the 36 semi-finalists who will move forward in the Big Tex Choice Awards competition.
According to fair officials, after much deliberation in the first round of judging, 19 savory and 17 sweet entries will go on to compete for one of three winning titles: “Best Taste – Savory,” “Best Taste – Sweet,” and “Most Creative.”
In the savory category, finalists include:
The Bayou BowlCajun Lobster Bisque CroquettesChicharron Explosion NachosCrispy Dilly DogDeep Fried BLTDeep Fried Brisket Cheese SticksDeep Fried Lasagna RollDeep Fried Texas Country CookoutDim Sum Loco BurritosFried Charcuterie BoardFried Soul Food EggrollHoly BiscuitShaking Beef SaladSouthern Fried Chicken and Sweet Potato Waffle SlidersTexas Hot Bull RideTexas Ranch Hot WingsTexas SlideTexas TwosomeTurkey Leg Taquito
In the sweet category, finalists include:
Cha-Cha ChataCrunchberry ShortcakeDeep Fried Buc-ee’sDeep Fried HoneyDeep Fried Praline Cheesecake EggrollDeep Fried Rocky Road with Blue Bell Ice CreamDeep Fried Southern Dessert DumplingsDeep Fried Strawberry Shortcake Crunch RollDoh-MuffFat ElvisFried Texas Fruit SaladLa BluebonnetPeanut Butter ParadiseRaspberry Chipotle Sopapilla CheesecakeSmoked Bacon Wrapped Cookie Dough BallsThe Ultimate Brookie MonsterTriple Lemon Bliss
The contest kicked off in June with an 51 entries represented by 36 concessionaires.
The State Fair said all competitors must have at least one year of experience as a concessionaire at the State Fair of Texas to enter the competition.
The selection process involves “blind judging” to ensure that the scoring is entirely based on the food, fair officials said.
In the coming weeks, the second round of preliminary judging will begin, and a panel of judges will evaluate the uniqueness, presentation, creativity, and
taste of all of the entries.
According to State Fair officials, the judges must also consider how likely a fairgoer is to buy the item?
The top 10 entries will compete in the final round at this year’s Big Tex Choice Awards ceremony, officials said.
The State Fair opens on Friday, September 30, and runs through Sunday, October 23, 2022.
