When I think of decorated cakes, I think of the ballroom gown-shaped Barbie cake and the gummy worm mud cake that I ate on my ninth and 10th birthdays. However, (no offense to my mother, household birthday cake creator extraordinaire), the decorated cakes that you will find in the Education Building at the N.C. State Fair are simply incomparable.
The cakes are one of the most popular competition attractions; typically drawing lines of people wanting to get a glimpse of the cake creativity on display.
Professional, novice and junior cake artists enter the cake decorating competitions for an opportunity to win premium money and prized ribbons. Cakes are judged for appearance, decorating technique and design. This year’s “Best in Show” ribbons were awarded to an undeniably talented group of individuals:
- Junior Level: Carmen O. Stroupe, of Locust
Cake by Carmen O. Stroupe, who won "Best in Show" in the junior category.
- Non-professional: Denise Appel, of Raleigh,
Cake by Denise Appel, one of two cakes voted "Best in Show" in the professional category
- Adult Professional: Janice Crissman, of Durham
Janet Crissman of Durham won a Best of Show ribbon in the adult professional category for this elaborate three-tiered creation.
Each cake entered into the contest features intricate details that take plenty of practice and hard work. Take a look at the photographs above, but make sure to come check out the exhibit for yourself! You’ll find cakes shaped and decorated as a platter of sushi, a palette of cupcake-shaped paints and a many many more!
