Corning Olive Festival Dutch Oven Cookoff Rules

Here are the rules for the Corning Olive Festival Dutch Oven Cookoff that's being held at Woodson Park, Corning, California on Saturday, August 27, 2005.

These rules are essentially the same as the rules I published for the Cook'en in the Park Dutch Oven Cookoff that was held at River Park, Red Bluff, California on Saturday, May 21, 2005.

1. Cook great food and have lots of fun.
2. A $20 fee will be charged to each team that participates.
3. Teams may consist of one, two or three members.
4. Teams will provide all ingredients and cooking utensils.
5. Please use good health practices. Ice chests are recommended. Keep cold food cold and hot food hot.
6. You must use charcoal briquettes. All fires must be at least 12 inches off the ground.
7. All foods must be totally prepared and cooked onsite using Dutch ovens as the primary cooking vessel. Sourdough starter is the exception from this rule.
8. The use of battery or electric appliances is not allowed.
9. The use of home-processed foods or wild game is not allowed.
10. Gas or propane stoves are only allowed to heat water for good hygiene and safe food practices. A fire extinguisher should be present for the gas or propane stove.
11. When your entry is presented to the judging area, it will be judged on how evenly it is cooked, appearance and taste. Garnishing is not a part of the judging score.
12. The judges' word is final. Bribing or poisoning the judges is prohibited.
13. Two of the three dishes must contain California processed olives. (This rule is unique to the Corning Olive Festival.)

I believe Rule #9 is necessary because the teams are going to be offering samples of their dishes to the public during people's choice judging. California law prohibits the use of home-cooked foods and non-inspected wild in retail food facilities.