After a hiatus in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the cake show is making a comeback thanks to the efforts of a few dedicated Harrison County 4-H members. The newly revamped event, known as the Harrison County Cake Bake Off, is designed to inspire and engage kids interested in baking. This year, participants have the chance to compete for the grand champion title and various prizes in each division. However, the cake show is limited to the first 50 participants, and registration must be completed by September 15.
Jonathan Knox, a Home School 4-H member and the recipient of the 2023 4-H Bronze Star, shared his personal experience:
“The Farm City Week Cake Show in 2019 was my first competition that I, Jonathan Knox, took part in. I didn’t win grand champion, but I won first in the junior layer cake division. I also earned $50 dollars in the auction. I baked a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting, and it was a fun experience to bake the cake and frost it. I included my winning recipe I used at the end of the article. I am looking forward to participating in the show again this year.”
For those who are not 4-H or FFA members, participation is open by paying an additional $5. The entry fee for the Cake Bake Off is $15, and it’s divided into four age groups: Clover (K-2), Junior (3-5), Intermediate (6-8), and Senior (9-12).
This year, participants have the option to bake one of three types of cakes: pound/bundt cake, layered cake, or decorated cake. The theme for this year’s event is “The Great State of Texas.”
Following the judging process, cakes that place first, second, or third will be displayed on the cake box, and an auction will be held where attendees can bid on these delicious creations. Online bidding will also be available, but all cakes must be picked up at 7 p.m. People have the option to bid online or make donations, with the proceeds shared among the cake show participants. To sign up, participants can scan the provided QR code or visit the website: https://qrco.de/beGFC4.
In addition to their main cake entry, participants must also create a mini replica of their cake to avoid slicing into the auctioned cake. This year, the Harrison County Cake Bake Off will take place at a new location: the Harrison County Extension Office at 2005 Warren Dr, Marshall, TX 75672 on September 28. Cakes should be dropped off between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on the morning of the event, and they must be delivered in a cake box. The auction will run from 3:30 p.m. until 6 p.m., so aspiring bakers are encouraged to get into the kitchen and start baking!
