cONTESTS AND SHOWS
Traeger Smoke Show
BBQ Contest
BBQ enthusiasts took center stage during the Traeger Smoke Show BBQ Contest with the chance to win a Woodridge Elite Traeger Smoker! From smoked ribs to pork belly and sausage, three judges including Reno-based Food Blogger (@EatingReno) Sydnye Helu, Edible Reno-Tahoe Publisher and Ad Director Jaci Goodman, and NDA School Nutrition Coordinator Allen Whitenack chose a winner to walk away with a new smoker.
When: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13
Where: Inside the Main Arena on the Mezzanine
Results:
1st Place Blue Ribbon - Shawn Jaynes
2nd Place Red Ribbon - Dave Ritter
3rd Place White Ribbon - Haylee Shaffer
Slice of the Silver State
Pie Contest
No state fair is complete without a pie contest! Nevada’s bakers put their skills to the test, seeking to create flaky crusts and perfectly balanced fillings. Judged by Edible Reno-Tahoe Publisher and Editor Amanda Burden, University of Nevada, Reno College of Agriculture Biotechnology and Natural Resources Associate Professor Dr. Melinda Yerka, and Community Project Manager with the Nevada Small Business Development Center Brad Scribner, a Cherry Rhubarb Pie reigned supreme!
When: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 13
Where: Made in Nevada Farmers’ Market
Results:
1st Place Blue Ribbon - Marie Fong, Cherry Rhubarb Pie
2nd Place Red Ribbon - Kim Hansen, Rhubarb Pie
3rd Place White Ribbon - Cherly McCaffrey - Blackberry Pie
Nevada Art Showcase
Artists from around the state brought their best pieces to showcase their creativity and skills. After thousands of votes, Shane Johnson and his piece “Small Mountains, Big Frame” won People’s Choice. Pictured here is Shane with his piece and the anvil he used to create it.
For interest in pieces by Shane, please email SnowshoeKustoms@gmail.com.
Picon Punch Contest
And tasting
The Picon Punch was named the official State Drink of Nevada in 2025. A celebration of the state and its heritage wouldn’t be complete without a highlight of the quintessential cocktail of Nevada’s Basque roots. The State Fair of Nevada invited Nevada’s best Picon-makers to the fairgrounds to put their skills to the test. Judged by NDA Director J.J. Goicoechea, NDA Deputy Director Doug Farris, Piconland Writer and Director Mark Maynard, Reno-based Fashion and Travel Blogger (@HereGoesGabbi) Gabbi Hall, and Reno-based Food Blogger (@EatingReno) Sydnye Helu, Picon-makers poured their best for the panel of judges and over 100 tastings. Congratulations to Scotty Ygoa of The Star Hotel in Elko, who took home the trophy for Best Picon Punch in Nevada. Heyday Inn earned the People’s Choice Award, while Ferino Distillery, exclusive producer of the Amer Picon Liqueur received the White Ribbon for its newly released canned Picon Punch. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event a memorable celebration at the State Fair of Nevada.