For Teams
Cook-off rules & registration – everything your team needs, from sign-up to the awards ceremony
Registration Is Open for 2026
Your spot is not confirmed until payment is received. Registration fees are a donation to HTX4Ukraine and are non-refundable.
!Don’t Get Disqualified
Three deadlines that can knock your team out before you even serve a bowl.
Food Handlers Permit
At least one team member must hold a valid permit, emailed to us by Nov 12 and brought on the day.
Missing this = automatic disqualification.
On-Site by 9:30 AM
A mandatory rules meeting with cook-off officials — no exceptions.
Judging-Ready by 11:00 AM
Borscht must be heated and table displays completed by 11:00AM.
Getting Ready
Before the Event
2+ People Per Team
Every team needs at least two members.
Valid Food Handlers Permit
Complete by Nov 11 to be valid on event weekend (~$15 training).
Ingredient Gift Card
We help offset costs — in return, send us a shopping/prep photo by Nov 10 for social media.
Fee Paid = Spot Confirmed
Your registration fee is a non-refundable donation to HTX4Ukraine.
Event Day
Your Saturday, Hour by Hour
8:00 AM
Site Opens
Registration & team setup begins.
9:30 AM
Teams Must Arrive
Mandatory rules meeting.
11:00 AM
Judging-Ready
Samples & displays complete, SHARP.
12:00 PM
Competition Begins
Public tasting officially opens.
2:30 PM
First Winners Announced
First of the three award categories.
Getting Ready
Before the Event
Cook the Day Before
Not earlier — for freshness and food safety. Plan an overnight cooling method.
1/2 Cup Per Sample
Public tastings are capped so everyone can try every team’s borscht.
Keep It at 140°F+
Crockpot minimum required — no pressure cookers. We’ll help you reheat & check temps all day.
Gloves & Hair Coverings
Required at all times while serving. Keep pots covered when not serving.
One Baked Item, Optional
A slice of bread or pampushky. Decorative-only extras can’t be served to the public.
Dress the Part
Best-decorated, best-costumed team wins a special prize.
What You’re Competing For
The Awards
Judging is blind by color-coded cup for taste — only the borscht itself is scored.
The Best Borscht
Voted by our judges
Top-rated borscht, chosen through rigorous blind tasting.
Best Presentation
Voted by our judges
Best showcase — through the dish and your table decoration.
People’s Choice
Voted by attendees
Most votes from the public wins.
Questions Before You Compete?
Judges’ decisions are final — but Jenny, our Competitor Coordinator, is happy to help with everything else.
