By Jeaneane Payne

KNOXVILLE -- The Tennessee Valley Fair is offering more prize money in 2012 for exceptional culinary creations. Whoever thinks they can create the tastiest entrée or side dish using Monterey Mushroom can enter one of the contests. First place winner will receive $300.00 cash; second place, $200.00; third place, $100.00.

If mushroom cooking isn't your forte, maybe you should try your hand at the King Arthur Flour Contest. which includes a "These Ain't Your Mama's Biscuits" contest and a "Muffin Madness" contest. The best biscuit wins a $75.00 gift certificate from King Arthur, and the best muffin gets a $50.00 gift certificate.

Who would think about decorating a hot dog? The Fair is holding a Hot Dog Decorating Contest on Sunday, September 16 at 2:30 p.m. You don't have to register to participate. Just show up at the event and use off the wall toppings to create a savory new recipe. First place winner will receive a $75.00 Food City gift card and a trophy.

For East Tennessee's best bakers, an $80.00 cash prize will be given for the best decorated buttercream of fondant cake. This contest is for amateurs. The first place winner will also receive a free 4 week decorating class from Sugarbakers. This event is being sponsored by Sugarbakers and WATE TV 6.

If your specialty is in baking, there is a contest for cakes, breads and pies. 1st place pie winner will get $35.00 and 1st place cake winner will get $25.00.

Scrumps Cupcakes is sponsoring a Junior Confection contest for beginners, junior youth and senior youth. The winner will receive $12.00 for first place.

The deadline for entries is August 16. You can register online at www.tnvalleyfair.org. The 93rd annual Tennessee Valley Fair is scheduled for September 7-16, 2012.

The Tennessee Valley Fair is one of the state's largest multi-day events attracting nearly 140,000 people each year. The 93rd annual fair begins the Friday after Labor Day, September 7-16. Along with many other activities, the Fair also presents nightly fireworks sponsored by the Tennessee Education Lottery.

Published July 31, 2012