Three judges tasted the variety of desserts, jams, jellies and preserves before determining the winners. Entries were judged based on presentation.

Judy T. Foley won Best of Show for her ³Just Peachy² dessert in the Virginia State Peach Festival Cook Off competition held on Thursday, August 16 at The Reynolds Homestead.Ttaste Taste and texture were why Foley¹s peach cheesecake received the highest scores in all three criteria. Brenda Springston took first place in the desserts category with her entry, ³Granny¹s Peach Bowl,² a trifle with cake, pudding, peaches and whipped cream. Lucy Wilson¹s ³Peach Up-side Down Cake² earned second place in the desserts competition. Debbie Noonkester was the bigwinner in the jams, jellies and preserves category. She took first place for her ³Peach Jam² and second place for her ³Peach Jelly.² ³We were happy to host the Peach Festival Cook Off,² said Julie Walters-Steele, director of the Reynolds Homestead. ³I¹m glad I didn¹t serve as one of the judges. I did serve as a taster, and I thought all of the entries were delicious.² The winners received ribbons and gifts including baking and cooking supplies. Foley also received a copy of the just-released ³Eat & Explore Virginia² cookbook that features some Patrick County recipes and places to visit.