Hi all,

A few months ago, I sent an email to the folks at the Big E/Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield (for those not from around here, it's our version of a state fair, but for all the New England states). I asked if they would consider doing a cake competition during the Big E. The woman got back to me and said it was too late to do one for this year, understandably, but that it was a possibility for next year. She emailed me today and asked if I would like to do some demonstrations in the New England Center building during this year's Big E to gauge interest in people!! She said I could hand out flyers/business cards but not sell anything. I am not "legal"....(hard to be legal in CT), so not sure how to handle that, but I am excited, nervous and freaking out at the same time!! Just thought I would share!!!

Thats great!! That fair is actually closer to me then the NYS fair. I would be interested if they do a competition.

I will keep everyone posted, if anyone else is interested in the competition?? I am in the process of trying to rent a licensed kitchen in time to hand out business cards

Is anyone really interested in the competition? I told the woman that I could get the word out on CC but I really want to make sure there's lots of interest!!

kate, we go to the big e every year! i'll look for you and make sure to stop by! i am not good enough for competition, but that's great that they may start one! good luck!!

where in ct are you located? i am in central, 15 minutes south of hartford.

Hi Jess!! We have chatted before...you are in Berlin, right? I am in Granby. Don't say you're not good enough for a competition! I think I will suggest to her that there be different categories, based on skill, so there will be room for us semi-newbies!

I would definitely be interested in this!!!! I'd love some local cake competitions - the only I've entered was the Mid-Atlantic Cake show....what a drive that was!

~Chelle

Edited to add: Let us know if you're doing a demo and when - would love to come see!!

WOW that I am so excited for you!

I'd be interested in a competition!

Keep us posted.

That is so neat! I am in CT too and we go to the Big E. I'll have to look for you. I don't know that I'd even be up for a newbee competition, but it sounds like fun!

I would be interested. I've never been in a competition before but it would be a good experience and lots of fun I'm sure! I've never even heard of this fair before though... We don't have much in Maine for cake decorators. They must have a website huh? I'll have to do some research.

Kate and Jessica,
I'm in CT too! I'm in Newington (right next to Berlin!) I've lived in CT my whole life and never been to the Big E (hard to believe, I know), but I would definitely make the trip this year if there's a cake demonstration involved! I don't feel I'm good enough for a competition, at least not yet. I would be interested in entering in the future though... I'm back in school full time this fall, but only part time next fall, so I would (hopefully) have time to enter then if everything comes to fruition by then. I have a friend who decorates cakes (not involved with CC yet as far as I know) who might be interested as well. Keep me posted as details come out!
~Marcella

http://www.thebige.com/ for anyone who wants more info on the Big E's fair...it's huge and lots of fun!

I have never been in a competition either, so it's not like I'm experienced or anything! I thought it would be cool though to see lots of cakes from people that are much more experienced than me

From what the woman tells me, I would be in the New England Center building, but I don't have dates or times yet. It wouldn't be official demonstrations per se, because she says with so many people just walking by, it would be better to just do my thing and people can watch and ask questions if they want. So I have no idea what I'll even do yet.

Will let you know when I get more info on this and the competition! She says if the booth gets lots of attention they'll be more likely to do the competition.

Kate714,

How excellent for you!!! I would love more info when you get it. I have attended the big e a couple of years ago with some 4H girls. We had a blast!!!!

I haven't been in any competitions myself either, but I am willing if anyone else here is. I think that would be great!!!!!

What butterflies you must have. If my schedule permits me, and you finally get your dates and times, I would love to slide on down there (only 1.5 - 2 hrs from here) and lend you my support, and to see the big e again!!!

I will be watching this thread!!!!!!

Reesesob, thanks for the compliment! It made my day!!

Hey Moochy720, I grew up in Newington! I live on the other side of the river now, but spent 26 years living right around the corner from the Olympia diner.

can you enter if you are a pro? The reason I ask is becasue there is a fair here that has a cake comeptiton but if you are a shop owner or pro you can not enter...but they will ask you to judge so tht's kind of cool

Hoover, no way! I live on the other end of the turnpike, right around the corner from Bertucci's and the building formerly known as Krispy Kreme Small world!

Cool, glad there seems to be lots of interest!! I don't think the Big E folks know anything about the format of a cake competition, and neither do I, but it seems they may rely on me for help...so if anyone who sees this knows anything about how to run a competition, please let me know!! I envisioned categories for newbies, amateurs and pros, something like that...but like I said, nothing's been done on it yet.

Also, if anyone has any suggestions for what I can do that will be cool to watch, let me know!!!

Spongemom--which fair in NH has the cake competition? I'd love to go to look, I am nowhere near ready to compete.

how fun!! you'll be bringing cake decorating awareness to the crowd! i am in MA and i'm definitely interested if they decide to do a competition at next year's Big E. i've never competed before but i would consider it... especially since i'd have a year to practice. thanks for the info!

as far as what to demo, what are your strong points? for example, if you are really good at buttercream roses, then you could be making a bunch of those as people pass by.
you could also show people how to ice a cake correctly. even the layperson would appreciate learning a skill like that.

that's great exposure for you!
good luck and keep us posted on everything.

I stink at BC roses!! But I figured I would just think of a few different cake designs that people can watch, from smoothing the cake to decorating. I could make fondant roses, use an impression mat on the sides, maybe basketweave?? I'm not that good !!! but yes, I think people appreciate the basic things. I did a little demo in front of a women's church group and I brought an already baked cake and they wanted all my tips on baking too

This is way too cool to have so much interest in our area. I haven't been to the Sandwich Fair in years. Maybe we can get together and go as a group to the big e? or even meet up for the Sandwich Fair.

Kate 714 you still have some time to practice your BC roses. I bet no matter what you decide, you will be great!!!! will wait for more info from you.

I *heart* the Big E!!! I try to go every year which baffles my husband because it's the same stuff every year. However, once the weather turns cool, my mouth starts to water for a Maine baked potato! LOL...

I'm in CT too... out by the casinos, in a very small town, Scotland. Between Norwich and Willimantic.

Jenwith,
Have you ever been to Third Thursday Street Fest in Willamantic? My mom and I have a hand crafted goods booth down by the frog bridge. We aren't going tonight though b/c it looks like the weather is going to be rough.

You know, I haven't. My 2 year has gone with my in-laws but I stayed home (an hour of peace and quiet). I keep forgetting about it. I'll have to mark the calendar and check it out some Thursday. If I do in the future, I'll swing on by.

Kate,

Great thought and thanks for reaching out to them. This would be fun. Good luck this year and keep us posted on interest for next year!

Marie
formerly of Canton/Avon, now in Vermont

JenWith, yes, it is the same thing every year!! But we love all the cheesy stuff!

The Big E woman says I can sign up for as many 4-hour shifts as I would like, and she gave me the dates and times. I told her I could do three...do you think that's too much? She said three was "plenty"...not sure if she was expecting me to commit to less?

I would SOOO be interested in a "local" contest - I am in MA as well.

Post the dates, I'd sure try to make it to see you this year if I can!

I'm so interested? Would they let kids in? I live in RI and that would be so cool. You should talk to them about like a junior one!!