08/22/2026
THE HANGOUT
COOK-OFF OFFICIAL RULES
CALL BRENT OR MASON WITH ANY QUESTIONS
Steak | Ribs | Dessert | Cook's Choice
GENERAL RULES
1. All contestants are responsible for providing their own cooking equipment, utensils, ingredients, fuel, tables, and supplies.
2. Contestants are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary cooking area throughout the event.
3. Entries must be submitted in the official turn-in container provided or approved by event officials.
4. Each team may submit one entry per category.
5. Entries must be turned in during the designated turn-in window. Late entries may be disqualified.
6. Entries will be judged anonymously. No identifying marks, decorations, team names, or other identifying information may be placed
on the turn-in container.
7. Decisions of the judges and event officials are final.
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TURN-IN SCHEDULE
11:00 AM STEAK
12:00 PM RIBS
1:00 PM DESSERT
2:00 PM COOK'S CHOICE
Contestants should have their entries ready before the scheduled turn-in time.
STEAK
- Steak may be seasoned and prepared according to the cook's preference.
- Any cooking method approved by event officials may be used.
- Judging will be based on appearance, tenderness/texture, flavor, and overall impression.
RIBS
- Contestants may use their choice of seasoning, rub, marinade, glaze, or sauce.
- Ribs may be cooked using the contestant's preferred approved cooking method.
- Judging will be based on appearance, tenderness/texture, flavor, and overall impression.
DESSERT
- Dessert may be any style or type of dessert.
- Entries will be judged on appearance/presentation, texture, flavor, and overall impression.
COOK'S CHOICE
- Cook's Choice is an open category with the exception of poultry.
- NO POULTRY OF ANY KIND IS ALLOWED.
- Chicken, turkey, duck, goose, game birds, or any other poultry are prohibited.
- Entries may include beef, pork, seafood, wild game, or other approved ingredients.
- Judging will be based on appearance/presentation, texture, flavor, and overall impression.
JUDGING
Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Appearance / Presentation
- Taste / Flavor
- Tenderness / Texture
- Overall Impression
Judges should evaluate each entry independently and fairly.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Good sportsmanship is expected from all contestants. Unsportsmanlike conduct, interference with another team, cheating, or failure to follow
event rules may result in disqualification at the discretion of event officials.
SAFETY
Contestants are responsible for safely operating grills, smokers, fryers, propane equipment, electrical equipment, and other cooking devices.
Cooking areas should remain attended when equipment is in operation.
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FINAL AUTHORITY
Event officials reserve the right to interpret these rules, resolve disputes, address circumstances not specifically
