Judging the Dutchess County Fair SporkRun Contest: Our Editor Tells All

Find out who took the cake at the ongoing event’s SporkRun competition

There are many perks associated with my job as Editor of Hudson Valley magazine, but one of the best ones so far was being invited to be a judge at the Dutchess County Fair’s inaugural SporkRun. For the contest, fair food vendors vie against each other to introduce the best new or unusual food item.

 

My Assignment

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– Showing up one day (Tuesday) during the fair, with an empty stomach (daily competitions also occurred on Wednesday and Thursday)

– Sampling (or putting away) 12 delicious and creative culinary treats, both sweet and savory, ranging from J&S Concessions’ sirloin Works Burger to Hardeman Orchards refreshing cider shake

– Ranking those items for taste, appearance and creativity

– Returning Friday to pick the grand winner

 

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Tuesday’s Results

I gave Sweet Stack Chimey Cakes’ Captain Hook’s Buried Treasure (pictured below) 10s across the board, and they came out the top vote getter among the six judges.
-A very full if confused stomach; although everything was delicious, going back and forth from sweet to savory may not have been such a good idea.

Friday’s Results:

And the grand winner is… who else but Tuesday’s champion, Sweet Stack Chimney Cakes, for their Captain Hook’s Buried Treasure? Pictured here in all their crowning glory are Sweet Stack Chimney Cakes’ Nick McGrady (second from left) and Ben Sauberman (third from left), along with Dutchess County Fair’s Deborah Aschmann (left) and representatives from runners-up Supreme Cream and the Clam Box.

Fortunately, there’s still three days to make your way to Rhinebeck for award-winning fair fare and other fun festivities. And if you’re looking for a way to unwind after all that excess, we recommend you consult our What to Do This Weekend roundup of worthy events in the area. 

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