2025 Special Baking Contests

Deadline:  All entries must be pre-registered by July 13.
Go to our “Premium Book” webpage to register online or to download the registration forms.

Special Baking Contest Entry Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 between 7:00 am and 8:30 am
Judging Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 (closed to public)

First-place Winners will be notified by phone and requested to appear at Fair’s Award Ceremony on Friday, July 25 at 7 pm to receive their rosette ribbon.

Winners will advance to the state PA Fairs Special Baking Contests Finals at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show

Homemade Chocolate Cake

PA Preferred Junior Baking

Blue Ribbon Apple Pie

Angel Food Cake


HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE CAKE BAKING CONTEST

Deadline: All entries must be pre-registered by June 30. 
Go to our “Premium Book” webpage to register online or print forms

Homemade Chocolate Cake Contest Entry Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 between 7:00 am and 8:30 am
Judging Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 (closed to public)
First-place Winners will be notified by phone and requested to appear at Fair’s Award Ceremony on Friday, July 25 at 7 pm to receive their rosette ribbon.

2025 CONTEST RULES – click link below…

CLASS 02 Homemade Chocolate Cake Contest

JUDGING CRITERIA

Flavor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 points
(aroma, taste, good balance of flavorings)
Texture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 points
(moist and tender crumb; not soggy or dry)
Inside Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 points
(even grain, evenly baked; free from air pockets)
Outside Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . .  15 points
(consistent shape/size/surface; overall appeal)
Frosting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 points
(taste, texture, even color)

PREMIUMS

  • 1st = $25
  • 2nd = $20
  • 3rd = $15

Sponsors: PA State Assoc. of County Fairs 


SPECIAL YOUTH CONTEST ~ PA Preferred® Junior Baking Contest

Deadline: All entries must be pre-registered by July 13. 
Go to our “Premium Book” webpage to register online or print forms
DEPT. 011 – SECTION 15C – competitors ages 7 – 18 only

PA Preferred Junior Baking Contest Entry Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 between 7:00 am and 8:30 am
Judging Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 (closed to public)
First-place Winners will be notified by phone and requested to appear at Fair’s Award Ceremony on Friday, July 25 at 7 pm to receive their rosette ribbon.

2025 CONTEST RULES – click link below…

CLASS 01 (Dept 11) PA Preferred Junior Baking – Cookie, Brownie & Bars

JUDGING CRITERIA

Flavor………………………………….. 30 points
(aroma, taste, good balance of flavorings)

Texture……………………………….. 25 points
(appropriate for the type of cookie, brownie or bar)

Inside Characteristics…………..20 points
(even grain, evenly baked; free from air pockets)

Outside Characteristics……….15 points
(uniform size, shape, appearance; overall appeal)

Creativity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .    10 points

                      TOTAL               100 points

PRIZES:

  • 1st = $20
  • 2nd = $15
  • 3rd = $10

Sponsors: PA State Assoc. of County Fairs and PA Dept. of Agriculture’s PA Preferred® program


BLUE RIBBON APPLE PIE CONTEST

Deadline: All entries must be pre-registered by July 13. 
Go to our “Premium Book” webpage to register online or print forms

Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest Entry Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 between 7:00 am and 8:30 am
Judging Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 (closed to public)
First-place Winners will be notified by phone and requested to appear at Fair’s Award Ceremony on Friday, July 25 at 6 pm to receive their rosette ribbon.

2025 CONTEST RULES – click link below… 

CLASS 01 Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest

JUDGING CRITERIA

Flavor                                          30 points

Filling:                                         25 points
consistency, doneness, moistness and flavor

Crust:                                         20 points
color, flavor, texture, doneness

Overall Appearance                  15 points

Creativity                                   10 points

Sponsors:  PA State Assoc. of County Fairs


ANGEL FOOD CAKE CONTEST

Deadline: All entries must be pre-registered by July 13. 
Go to our “Premium Book” webpage to register online or print forms

Angel Food Cake Contest Entry Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 between 7:00 am and 8:30 am
Judging Day:  Monday, July 21, 2025 (closed to public)
First-place Winners will be notified by phone and requested to appear at Fair’s Award Ceremony on Friday, July 25 at 7 pm to receive their rosette ribbon.

2025 CONTEST RULES – click link below… 

CLASS: 03 Angel Food Contest

JUDGING CRITERIA

Flavor………………………………….. 40 points
(aroma, taste, good balance of flavorings)

Inside Characteristics………….. 30 points
(texture and lightness)

Overall Appearance……………….20 points
(surface, shape, size, color)

Topping, Icing or Decoration…..10 points

PRIZES:

  • 1st = $25
  • 2nd = $20
  • 3rd = $15

Sponsors: PA Egg Farmers and PA State Association of County Fairs

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