Apple Festival Cooking Contest to showcase culinary talent

The Unicoi County Apple Festival is pleased to announce its popular Cooking Contest, sponsored by the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce and UT Extension Unicoi County. Culinary enthusiasts of all ages are invited to showcase their apple-inspired creations on Friday, Oct. 3, at the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce Office in downtown Erwin.This year's contest will feature three categories: Apple Pie, Apple Cake, and Youth Candy Apple for participants aged 17 and under. Entry submissions will be accepted from 11 a.m. to noon, with closed judging commencing promptly at noon.To be eligible for judging, entries in the Apple Pie and Apple Cake categories must contain at least one cup of apples, applesauce or dried apples, and a complete copy of the recipe must accompany each submission. Youth Candy Apple participants must provide a list of all edible ingredients used. Judging will focus on originality, presentation and the quality of the apple pairing, highlighting creativity and culinary skill.Prizes will be awarded in each category: $50 for first place, $30 for second place, and $20 for third place, with winners announced on stage during the festival."This contest is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the culinary creativity and talent of our community," said Amanda Delp, Executive Director of the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce. "We are thrilled to see the delicious, innovative apple creations our participants bring each year, and it's always a highlight of the festival."For more information about the contest, call UT Extension at (423) 735-1637, or email Extension Agent Tracy Chandler, at tpate6@utk.edu.Join the fun at the annual Unicoi County Apple Festival for a weekend of family fun, community celebration, and unforgettable experiences throughout downtown Erwin. The Unicoi County Apple Festival, scheduled for Oct. 3–4, celebrates local culture, arts, and, of course, apples. For more information about the festival, please visit UnicoiCountyAppleFestival.com or call the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce at (423) 743-3000.