The decorated cakes contest has become famous among fairgoers for the diverse entries it attracts each year. You can read more about the work that goes into the cakes here. This year’s winners have proven to be no exception to that rule.
Elizabeth Prioli of Chapel Hill took the top prize in the professional category for her Native American-themed cake complete with a drum, feathers and a moccasin, while the best-in-show winner in the non-professional category was a more traditional four-tiered white cake by Carol L. Deely of Cary. Mary Moseley of Whitakers rounded out the best-in-show winners, taking the top prize in the junior category with her rooster cake.
The winners in each of the competition’s 18 classes received $25, $15 and $10 premiums for first place, second place and third place respectively, for a total of nearly $1,000 in total prize money.
With the rise in popularity of television shows like “Cake Boss” and “Ace 0f Cakes” and designs ranging in themes from traditional wedding to fall cornucopia, it’s not surprising that the decorated cakes competition is a favorite with the public. At just about any time of day you’re sure to find a line of people waiting to stop by and see the artful creations that are a part of this year’s competition.
Visitors can check out all of this year’s decorated cakes in the Education Building, which is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.