Bread Contests

PRIZES 

One blue (1st place) ribbon will be awarded in each of the following categories:

• Best Sourdough 

• Best Cornbread

Blue (1st place), red (2nd place), and white (3rd place) ribbons will be awarded in the following category:

• Best Focaccia

RULES

1. Individuals may not submit more than one entry for each of the categories listed above.

2. Each entry must be a whole, unsliced loaf.

3. Each entry must be made from scratch (no prebaked, premade/packaged bread mixes).

4. Bread cannot contain any of the following: uncooked cream, cream cheese, Jell-O/gelatin, raw eggs, or other products that are high risk for spoilage. No items that require refrigeration will be accepted.

JUDGING CRITERIA

1. Taste (40%)

   1. Sourdough has a delightful level of tanginess.

   2. Cornbread is either sweet or savory, and includes a rich, distinct corn flavor.

   3. Focaccia has a rich, subtle, slightly yeasty flavor.

2. Appearance (30%)

   1. Sourdough has a crispy crust with a caramelized brown color.

   2. Cornbread has a bright golden color.

   3. Focaccia has a dimpled look with air pockets throughout.

3. Texture (30%)

   1. Sourdough is pleasantly chewy.

   2. Cornbread is moist and soft with a pleasant grainy texture.

   3. Focaccia has a crisp crust and a light and chewy interior.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

1. Register for the bread contest at https://www.dcstatefair.org/2025-contests by 9:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15. No walk-up registrations will be accepted.

2. Bring your entry, accompanied with 1) a removable label that includes your name, the contest category, and the name of the entry and 2) a list of ingredients used in making your entry to the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library at 901 G St NW on Saturday, August 23 between 11 am and 1 pm. Exact room location will be sent closer to the date.