A new and inventive competition, the "People's Choice Salsa Contest", comes to the 2008 Clay County Fair. The contest will be on Saturday, Sept. 13 and is part of the Creative Culinary division which includes competitive categories in canned goods and oven products.

The new contest will offer fairgoers a chance to take part in deciding the winners of the "People's Choice Salsa Contest". For the first time, attendees will be able to judge a Creative Culinary contest by purchasing a judging/tasting fee for $3. Judging will begin at 1p.m. and the fee will cover a bottle of water, Tostidos Scoops and eight voting tokens to distribute as the judge pleases. Proceeds from the contest will be donated to a local charitable organization.

Those interested in entering salsa must bring two quarts of their own fruit or vegetable salsa, either canned or fresh. Entries will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Canned salsa must have been made after Sept. 16, 2007. Each entry must be accompanied with a recipe. There will be three lots; mild salsa, medium salsa and hot salsa.

Canned Goods and Oven Products superintendent, Gayle Simons, described the new contest as unique. "We're really excited about this new contest because it marks the first time a Creative Culinary contest is judged by the public instead of formal judges."

The people's choice will determine the top three salsas. First place will receive $75, second $50 and third $25.

The Creative Culinary division offers 16 special contests throughout the entire nine days of the fair. Creative Culinary premium books can be picked up at the Clay County Fair office at 1401 4th Avenue West or be accessed online at www.claycountyfair.com under the agriculture tab.

* Questions can be directed to Creative Culinary Superintendent, Gayle Simons at 262-7827.