Porkline

The race for the blue ribbons at the NC State Fair has begun and NCPC is back in 2009 to host the Tarheel Pork Challenge. Now, don't be confused. In this instance, "tarheel" refers to the "Tarheel State" not the "Tarheel Nation" so Wolfpackers, Pirates, Devils, Deacs, well, you get the idea, are all welcome to join in the competition.

Below is all you need to know on how to participate in this contest. So if you have a wonderful pork dish your family begs for or if yours is the first dish gone at the covered dish dinners at church, we want to try it.

ENTRY DEADLINE: Saturday, October 10, 2009
DATE OF CONTEST: Wednesday, October 21, 2009
CASH PRIZES:

First Place: $200

Second Place: $150

Third Place: $100

Honorable Mention: $50

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ENTRY:

Type or legibly write recipe on an 8 1/2 x 11 sheet of paper with name, address, daytime and evening phone number, email address if available, in the upper right hand corner. Entries must be legible and include a phone number or you will be disqualified.

To be a contestant, mail recipe to: Tarheel Pork Challenge, N.C. State Fair, 1025 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 or by delivering recipe to fairgrounds Entry Office.

Entries must be postmarked by Saturday, October 10, 2009.

Entries must be prepared at home and brought to the fair.

CONTEST RULES

Each entry must have at least 4 oz. per serving. Each recipe must serve between 4-6 people.

Any pork may be baked, fried, grilled, etc. (ex. pork roast, tenderloin, chops, ham). Directions for preparing the recipe must be clear; measurements should be in level cups, tablespoons, teaspoons or fractions thereof; also include pan size, cooking temperature, number of servings and any other pertinent information.

Judging will be based on taste appeal (50%), appearance (20%), originality of recipe (10%), ease of preparation (20%).

Be creative and submit your best recipe using pork in any main dish, side dish, salad or appetizer.

All recipes become the property of the North Carolina Pork Council. NCPC has the right to publish or advertise the recipes and the names of the contestants without compensation. NCPC is not responsible for lost recipes. Employees of NCPC are not eligible to compete. Taxes on prizes are the responsibility of the winners.

Contestants may enter more than one recipe but only one recipe may win.

DAY OF CONTEST

Entries will be recieved from 9:00-10:00 a.m. in the Education Building at the N.C. State Fairgrounds.

Judging will begin at 10:00 a.m.

Prizes will be awarded at 11:30 a.m. (or when contest is completed).

You will be admitted into the Fair for free with prepared entry on the day of the contest through Gate 8, 11 or 12.

Entries may be brought in any type of container (preferably disposable). It will not be the responsibility of the Fair to return any dishes or plates.

Contact the Entry Department if you have any questions at 919-821-7400.

We are pork proud! Show your pork pride and good luck!