Homegrown Flavors Celebrated at Colorado State Fair

A celebration of homegrown flavor took center stage at the Colorado State Fair tonight, where the Governor's Table highlighted the deep connections between our local farms and our tables. The event brought community and connection to the forefront, celebrating the power of a shared meal, while Governor Polis awarded Double D's BBQ Shack from Pueblo the 2026 Governor's Plate Award, serving smoked brisket made from Colorado-sourced beef.

"Judging the Governor's Plate competition is one of the most delicious parts of the state fair each year. These inspired chefs support our local farmers and ranchers by using locally grown and produced products in their delicious creations. Congratulations to Double D's BBQ Shack, this year's Governor's Plate winner!" said Governor Polis.

The Governor's Table is a reimagining of the Governor's Plate competition to celebrate America and Colorado's shared milestone anniversaries. This year's Governor's Table is a partnership with Longer Tables and part of the 150 Tables Across Colorado initiative. Together, these efforts highlight the importance of community and connection, showcasing how shared meals can strengthen the bond between our agricultural producers and the consumers they serve across the state.

"As one of over 150 tables being set across Colorado this year, the Governor's Table is a vivid symbol and invitation to every Coloradan: you have a place at the table and you belong. Imagine a Colorado where everyone feels like they belong! This is the power of food and the table," said Tim Jones, executive director of Longer Tables.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has been celebrating America's 250th anniversary and Colorado's 150th under the theme of "Setting Colorado's Table." The Governor's Table is a key event of the celebration.

"Colorado's agricultural communities help set the table for countless families across the state, country and the world," said Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg. "The Governor's Table competition celebrates not just the incredible culinary skill of our participants, but the deep-rooted connections between farmers, local businesses, and the Coloradans who support them. Eating local food is about investing in the resilience and innovation of the people who keep our state fed."

This annual competition challenges Colorado Proud chefs to showcase the variety of flavors and nutritious options produced by agriculture in our state. Each participant is required to use locally grown, raised, and processed ingredients, highlighting the connections between our farmers, local businesses, and the Coloradans who support them.

This year, chefs participating in the Governors Table were:

• Dana's Classic Catering of Pueblo, serving an appetizer of Pueblo chile bruschetta featuring Pueblo chile and brown sugar smokies wrapped in bacon.
• Cinfully Delicious of Pueblo, serving a salad showcasing fresh Colorado produce.
• Double D's BBQ Shack from Pueblo, a 2021 Governor's Plate competitor, serving smoked brisket made from Colorado-sourced beef.
• Proto Taste from Denver, 2024 Governor's Plate winner, serving esquites, a Mexican corn salad with roasted Colorado grown corn topped with Pueblo green chile-infused butter, black truffle garlic mayonnaise, topped with Colorado grown cilantro, crumbled cheese, and a sprinkle of chili spices.
• Latimer's Kitchen from Colorado Springs, serving a side dish of red beans and rice with smoked pork or turkey. Their beans are sourced from Northern Feed & Bean in Lucerne and their pork comes from Freedom Acres Ranch in Yoder.
• Polar Bros Nitro Ice Cream from Lakewood, a 2021 Governor's Plate competitor, serving a Colorado-themed nitro ice cream for dessert.

Tickets to the Colorado State Fair, including general admission, concert, and rodeo tickets, can be purchased online at ColoradoStateFair.com, or via phone at 1-800-514-3849, as well as in person at the Colorado State Fair box office.