Enjoy homemade ice cream after one of the treasured traditions of the fair: the Ice Cream Contest! Community members enter the contest and then fairgoers get to try a wide variety of flavors on the last day of the fair.

Contestants enter in three different classes:

1) Plain Vanilla and Chocolate
2) Fruit flavors
3) Other flavors

Contestants bring their pre-made ice cream bases, any mix-ins or additional ingredients, and their ice cream freezers. Some contestants hand-mix and others use ice cream mixers.

After mixing, three judges review all ice creams, and contestants get to taste everyone else’s recipes. Winners are then announced, and the doors open for what is generally a very long line of hungry fairgoers!

Ice cream is $1 for 2 scoops.

Recipe books featuring recipes submitted to the homemade Ice Cream Contest since its inception in 1992 are available at the Vinland Fair pop stand for $7.50. Recipe updates through 2008 are available for $1.

Rules

Contestants must enter by 5 p.m. Saturday. A copy of the recipe the contestant will use must be provided at the time of entry. All dairy ingredients must be pasteurized. If eggs are used, the mixture must be thoroughly cooked, unless eggs are pasteurized.

Superintendents may reject any recipe that is not properly prepared. Only one entry per person per class.

All entries must be brought to the Vinland Fairgrounds ready to freeze but not already frozen or partially frozen after 5 p.m. Saturday. Ice cream must be ready for judging at 7 p.m. Contestants can do the freezing anytime between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Contestants can use either electric or hand-crank freezers. Entries must be a minimum of one gallon of actual ice cream. Entries already frozen or partially frozen or of less than one gallon in quantity will be disqualified.

Contestants must provide their own salt and a large enough pan to set the freezer in to collect the saltwater from the melting ice. Vinland Fair will provide the ice.

Winners will be awarded cash prizes in three categories:

Plain vanilla and chocolate: 1st – $25, 2nd – $10, 3rd – $5

Fruit flavors: 1st – $25, 2nd – $10, 3rd – $5

Any other flavor: 1st – $25, 2nd – $10, 3rd – $5

All ice cream will be served following judging with the proceeds going to the Vinland Fair.