Kids at last year’s ice cream eating contest stay cool. (Photo by Blushing Whale Films courtesy of the DC State Fair)
By DCist contributor Rhea Morgenstern
The DC State Fair packs in a ton of Washingtonian quirks—and not just the name of the event itself. The ninth annual fair, to be held Sunday at the Waterfront Metro station, will feature a slate of food competitions with undeniable District flavor.
Amateur bakers, farmers, picklers, and cooks have until Wednesday at midnight (cider and beer-brewing contestants have until Friday) to apply free of cost for most contests, and then must drop off their homegrown fruits and vegetables (or cannabis), or completed jams, pies, salsa, cookies, or other items to the University of the District of Columbia campus in Van Ness on Saturday morning. Judging will be conducted at UDC for the first time this year, to keep the foods safe and air conditioned.
Winners of ribbons (and bragging rights) will be announced online and at the fair on Sunday.
The most iconic food contest centers on D.C.’s unofficial vermilion-hued condiment.
“Mumbo sauce has a distinct history and culture in DC,” reads the online entry form for contestants. “Do you have the recipe for the best one? Show off your mumbo!”
Sauces will be judged on texture, appearance, taste, and aroma. The makers of Capital City mambo sauce will be on the team deciding on winners in two categories: best mumbo sauce overall and most true to the original.
Other contests emerged in an attempt to reflect D.C.’s diversity, says Ashley Chaifetz, who coordinates most of the fair’s 20+ contests. That’s where the idea for the new turnover/dumpling contest came from.
“Basically every culture has some kind of stuffed dough pocket,” Chaifetz says. “We want to be inclusive.”
The organizers have opened the door wide for types of dumpling, including empanadas, spanakopita, calzones, samosas, and pierogies. Competitors can vie for a blue, red, or white ribbon in two categories—savory and sweet.
“I hope a lot of people submit to it,” Chaifetz adds. “It could be our best contest ever.”
The turnover/dumpling contest is one that fair attendees can taste for themselves: The fair will sell samples of the competing baked goods, chili, and ice cream for $1 each.
Competitive eating events, held live at the fair each year, also carry a D.C. flair. In the ice cream eating contest, kids will scarf up treats supplied by local shop Ruby Scoops. And the sloppy joe eating contest—open to grown-ups only—features sandwiches from the popular food truck NeatMeat.
For those who crave more traditional opportunities, the DC State Fair has something for them, too. District gardeners can submit homegrown fruits and vegetables, just like one could for any state or county fair. There are also contests for pickles, jams, pies, and honey.
The DC State Fair takes place Sunday, Sept. 23 at the Waterfront Metro Station (375 and 425 M St. SW), 11 a.m.-8 p.m., FREE
