Amateur Hot Sauce Competition Rules

Wabash Valley Pepper Fest & Hot Sauce Expo
Sunday, September 28, 2025 — The Meadows, Terre Haute, Indiana

Eligibility

  • Open to amateur hot sauce makers only — no commercially bottled or professionally manufactured sauces.
  • Contestants must be 18 years or older.
  • Limit one sauce per category per contestant.

Categories

  • Mild/Medium Heat – Flavor-focused with moderate spice.
  • Hot/Extra Hot – High heat level with balanced flavor.
  • Specialty/Unique – Creative or non-traditional flavors.

Entry Fee

$10.00 per entry, payable at registration check-in or online when you sign up.

Sauce Requirements

  • Sauces must be homemade in a sanitary environment.
  • Submit two (2) sealed bottles or jars (minimum 5 oz each).
  • Label each with: Contestant Name, Sauce Name, Heat Level, and Ingredients.
  • No store-bought or co-packer-made sauces allowed.

Entry Submission

  • Registration closes September 21, 2025.
  • Deliver entries to the Competition Check-In Table by 12:00 PM on event day.
  • No late entries will be accepted.

Judging

  • Judging starts at 4:00 PM.
  • Criteria:
    1. Flavor – 40 points
    2. Balance of Heat – 30 points
    3. Appearance/Texture – 15 points
    4. Creativity – 15 points
  • Judges’ decisions are final.

Prizes

  • First Place (each category) – Trophy + Gift Basket + Bragging Rights
  • Second Place – Medal + Gift Bag
  • People’s Choice Award – Attendee voting during the festival

Awards Ceremony

Winners will be announced at 5:00 PM on the main stage.

Additional Rules

  • All ingredients must be safe for consumption.
  • Unsafe or prohibited ingredients will result in disqualification.
  • Contestants must be present at the Awards Ceremony to claim prizes.
  • By entering, you agree to allow the event to use your name, photo, and sauce details for promotional purposes.

Liability Waiver

Participation is at your own risk. The Wabash Valley Pepper Fest & Hot Sauce Expo, its organizers, sponsors, and volunteers are not responsible for illness, injury, or damages resulting from participation.