Owensboro Hot Dog Week 2026: Judges Panel

Meet the top food critics of our judges panel. These experts have been brought in to grill the competition during Owensboro Hot Dog Week and provide the frank truth about every entry. They’ve mustered up the courage to taste the best of the best, and they won't stop until they’ve found a true wiener. When it comes to quality, they really relish the responsibility!

Meet Our Local Celebrity Judges

That's Forking Good

Reviewing restaurants, food trucks, and places with great vibes in Owensboro and abroad since 2011, our food critics have been part of the judges panel for events like Owensboro Hot Dog Week! TikTok @thatsforkingood

Will Evans

That's Forking Good

Excited man with long hair and glasses smiling widely indoors.

Founder of Estes Bulldog Art Camp and a passionate supporter of local businesses.

Insta: @will_evans_art

Julius Maddox

That's Forking Good

Julius Maddox

Muscular man in gym gear sitting with weightlifting equipment in background.

World record holder in the Raw Bench Press, this American power lifter is from Owensboro. He is the owner of Irregular Strength training programs. Follow him on TikTok @irregularstrength.

Krys Dukes

Remi 4 All THEE Snack God

Julius Maddox

Smiling woman with curly hair and blue eyes wearing a septum ring.

Food content creator and proud wife, mother of three, and lunch lady for Daviess County Schools. on TikTok @hisdaughter_002.

Remi 4 All THEE Snack God

Man making a surprised face with a giant stacked burger in front of him.

Musician and food vlogger, who also serves as a food critic, brings you all the latest snack news coverage. Don't miss out on his insights during the Owensboro Hot Dog Week as part of his judge's panel. Tune in for more delicious updates!

Tiktok @remi4alltheesnackgod

Mary Kathrine

Remi 4 All THEE Snack God

Smiling person holding a giant hot dog outside Hobby Lobby store.

An Owensboro native and co-host of the WBKR Morning Show, weekdays 6–10am, is also known as one of the Golden Glizzy Girls, proudly serving on the judges panel for Owensboro Hot Dog Week.

Mercedez Varble

Smiling woman with vibrant red hair outdoors in spring.

Member of the Theatre Workshop of Owensboro and an actress, part of the Golden Glizzy Girls!

Justice Freeman

Mercedez Varble

Man standing outside Donatos restaurant at night.

Singer. Content creator. Co-creator of the Muhlenberg County music festival! Tiktok @jthesinger2022

Ashton Brown

Mercedez Varble

Shannon Meyer

Joyful woman with glasses laughing heartily in a yellow shirt.

Food, music & comedy content creator who shines a spotlight on small businesses and events, including the exciting Owensboro Hot Dog Week. Follow on TikTok @ashtonsjokes.

Shannon Meyer

Patrick Bassett

Shannon Meyer

Smiling woman with glasses on head in an office setting.

Chief Judge of the Daviess County District Court, serving the community since 2022, will be part of the judges panel for this year's Owensboro Hot Dog Week. Listen for her gavel sound as the food critics announce this year's winner.

Vic Evans

Patrick Bassett

Co-Host of 'Live at 5' on 102.7 The Game, ESPN Owensboro. Join us for all your local sports coverage, and don't miss the exciting events during Owensboro Hot Dog Week, where our food critics will weigh in on the best offerings. Tune in!

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Patrick Bassett

Grover Gaming

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Meet Our Guest Judge

Olivia Crisp

Congratulations to Olivia, winner of our community judge contest!

" I’ve been waiting for this opportunity my entire life! I’ve always been a hot dog fan, whether it’s grilled, concession stand, roasted, or ball park…bring it on! I have the pallet and the love of a good hot dog to be a solid judge "

Welcome to the judge's panel, Olivia!

Owensboro Hot Dog Week Judges: Meet the Panel

Visit our Shopify!

Our apparel features 5 unique designs for t-shirts, plus a trucker hat and a tote bag, perfect for showcasing your style during Owensboro Hot Dog Week! With a huge range of sizes available from Youth Extra Small to Adult 5X, along with various options for fit and colors, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to impress the food critics and judges panel at this exciting event! Plus, a portion of all proceeds will be donated to Veterans Empowered Together (VET).

Merch