Delaware State Fair host kids baking competition
Kids Using Cake Mix Competition
DELAWARE – The Delaware State Fair hosted a Kids Day July 23, which meant kids from all over and all ages came not only to participate in the festivities, but to show off their many talents as well. Now, whether it was cookies or cakes these young people were determined to bake their way to the top! Rules said they could only use boxed cake mix, and that’s all it took for kid bakers to come up with creative ideas according to Trina Stump.
Competition Rules
As the Assistant Superintendent for the Culinary Department at the Fair, Trina loves what she does. She says each entry is judged extensively before they make a decision. “Any recipe whether it’s a cake, a cookie, it’ does not matter- as long as they use a cake mix, that’s it… We have 1st , 2nd , and 3rd place in all of our categories, our age categories… They sit down one-on-one with a judge at a table and the judges as them how did they make their recipe; how did they pick their recipe What was their favorite part about it?”
Ages 13-16
Picking winners can be hard, but that’s just how the cookie crumbles. Mira Farmer was a 16-year-old competitor for final time entering the kid’s competition. Two years ago she won third place and last year she got second. This time though, she finally became one of those winners. “So, I made a cinnamon bun cake with cream cheese frosting homemade, and the cake mix I used was cinnamon toast crunch cake mix. I feel great, I’m very proud of myself, and I’m glad I won because I put a lot of effort into this cake.”
Ages 9-12
Maeva Colona is another returning contestant. The 11-year-old baker won first place in 2 other categories this week already, and has won so many 1st place ribbons she was awarded an award for the most ribbons. She happens to be a young business owner and had a lot to say about her winning product! “Chocolate Peanut butter dream cupcakes, which are chocolate covered cakes with a Reeses inside, peanut butter icing with some Reese’s pieces chopped on top, and a Reese’s cup on top that has frosting on it, to look like its own little cupcake.”
Ages 5-8
The youngest category was ages 5 through 8. Gianna Antonio, who won first place, is only 8 years old. She made a beautiful cake and said this isn’t the first time she’s entered the competition. Gianna had this word of advice for kids her age who might be a bit hesitant to enter next year. “It was all blue and I made it coral reef themed… If you’re like scared, don’t be because it’s just for fun.”
Honorable Mentions
Many young and talented bakers entered the competition. Although some didn’t place, many made very stunning and interesting desserts. From moon pies, to Peanut butter and Jelly pound cakes, it was clear the effort they put into their work. Organizers say they hope more children will sign up next year, and that they encourage any child from everywhere to bring their cakes and creativity.
