Two beloved West Virginia traditions — the Mountain State Art and Craft Fair and the state’s iconic snack food, the pepperoni roll — are coming together for the Firecracker Pepperoni Roll Contest!  Whether you’re a longtime baker or simply proud of your family recipe, all pepperoni roll enthusiasts are invited to enter this celebration of Appalachian flavor and creativity.

Contest Rules

1. Contestants must bring three fully baked pepperoni rolls to the contest location by 2:30 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2026.

2. Entries may be either:

   • Traditional — yeast or pizza dough with pepperoni

   • Creative — yeast or pizza dough with pepperoni plus cheese, spices, or other ingredients

   All entries will be judged together in a single category.

3. Pepperoni rolls will be judged heavily on overall baking quality. A traditional reddish-orange tint or grease spot on the bottom of the roll — created by the pepperoni during baking — is acceptable and may reflect authenticity.

4. The inside of the roll should feature a soft, fully baked crumb, while the exterior should be golden brown.

5. Dough may be either homemade or commercially prepared.

6. Judging Criteria

   • Appearance: Even bake, golden color, and overall visual appeal

   • Taste & Texture: Moisture balance, flavor profile, and meat-to-dough ratio

   • Creativity/Tradition: How well the roll honors the classic West Virginia pepperoni roll or creatively reimagines it

7. Contestants must submit a complete recipe including:

   • Ingredients and quantities

   • Type of pepperoni used (sliced or stick)

   • Type of dough

   • Any additional ingredients

   • Preparation and baking instructions

   Please also include:

   • Recipe title

   • Contestant name

   • Contact phone number

   • Email address

   • City of residence

8. For questions, please contact msacf1963@gmail.com