FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Jenny Green
Public Affairs Specialist
jgreen@nmda.nmsu.edu | 575-202-4249

Sept. 3, 2025

Fan-favorite food contests return to 2025 New Mexico State Fair

From salsas to cheeseburgers, fairgoers pick best bites in the state

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Some of the State Fair’s most mouthwatering competitions return with bold flavors and local pride this year.

A man in a black cap, maroon button-down shirt and blue jeans picks up a tiny black single-serve cup of salsa, smiling at the camera. — Some of the State Fair’s most mouthwatering competitions return with bold flavors and local pride this year. Mark your calendars for the Battle of the Salsas and Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge. All events take place at the Agriculture Building. New Mexico Agriculture Secretary Jeff Witte participated in the 2024 Battle of the Salsas competition. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

Battle of the Salsas | Saturday, Sept. 6 | 1–3 p.m.
Sample and judge salsas made by local producers featured in the Country Store. The first 250 fairgoers receive chips, salsa samples, and ballots to cast their votes.
Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge | Monday, Sept. 8 | Starts at noon
Nine restaurants from across the state will cook their best burgers on-site in this fiery competition celebrating one of New Mexico’s most iconic foods. A panel of judges and a limited number of public tasters will select the winners.

The 2025 Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge contestants include:

Downshift Brewing Company (Ruidoso)
Fuego 505 (Albuquerque)
Craft Republic (Albuquerque)
Owl Café (Albuquerque)
The Grill @ The Sheraton (Albuquerque)
Isleta Grill (Isleta Pueblo)
Laguna Burger (Laguna Pueblo)
Sparky’s Burgers, BBQ & Espresso (Hatch)
Grill at the Monte Carlo (Questa)

“These competitions are a delicious way to support local food and celebrate New Mexico agriculture,” said New Mexico Secretary of Agriculture Jeff Witte. “If you eat, you’re a part of agriculture—and these events bring that message home.”

A green chile cheeseburger sits on a checkered cutting board. A chef in a black coat wearing black gloves holds the burger on one side. The chef can be seen holding a knife in the other hand. — Some of the State Fair’s most mouthwatering competitions return with bold flavors and local pride this year. Mark your calendars for the Battle of the Salsas and Green Chile Cheeseburger Challenge. All events take place at the Agriculture Building. (Photo courtesy New Mexico Department of Agriculture)

All events take place near the Agriculture Building. For full details, visit the New Mexico State Fair webpage or contact the New Mexico Department of Agriculture’s (NMDA) Marketing and Development Division at 575-646-4929.

As a reminder, below is a list of all NMDA events happening at the State Fair:

Battle of the Salsas at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6
Green Chile Cheese Burger Challenge at noon Monday, Sept. 8
Red, White and Brews Happy Hours from 3 to 8 p.m. daily
Country Store will be open from Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the duration of the fair (located inside the Agriculture Building)

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Fan-favorite food contests return to 2025 New Mexico State Fair