Brownie competition sparks culinary controversy at Kentucky State Fair

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A culinary controversy is stirring at the Kentucky State Fair after judges declined to award a first-place ribbon in the brownie baking competition, despite 37 entries.

Sydney Hill, a 26-year-old nurse from Louisville, earned the only ribbon given — second place — in the contest. No first or third place awards were issued.

"I mean, it's pretty cutthroat," Hill said. "I'm glad it made the cut."

Hill said she was proud of her entry, which included "lots of sugar and lots of butter" and hopes to improve her recipe for the holidays.

"I just want to know what my scores were so I can make it better for Thanksgiving and Christmas," she said. "A lot of people have been requesting that I make it for holidays now."

According to the fair's published rules, entries are judged on appearance, texture, flavor and proper bake, with a total of 100 points possible. Judges are required to hold a four-year degree and come from the University of Kentucky's culinary sciences department.

Fair officials said none of the judges' score sheets, tabulations or notes remain on file and declined to release the judges' names.

"This is the state fair. It is a competition, and we have high standards," state fair culinary department Superintendent Michael McGaha said. "The judges knew what they were looking for, knew what they wanted and chose to give second."

Ian Cox, head of communications for the Kentucky State Fair and the Expo Center, dodged questions about the lack of transparency.

"Culinary has 3,500 entries this year," Cox said. "It's the largest competition in the state fair. We know the criteria, and it's about seeing if something will be a blue ribbon next year."

Online, people weren't kind about the brownie baking brew haha.

People posted comments like "Just because it's the Fair, doesn't mean it's fair," and "DANG, who's judging (Gordon Ramsey)," on Facebook.

Despite the confusion, Hill said she's staying positive.

"My family's compliments are enough," she said.

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