My Grandma loved going to the fair many years ago and I loved going with her to watch all the judging of the entries. One year her white butter cake won and she got to bake in the Cake Bake Off. That is an experience I will never forget.
I remember thinking that when that day came when my kids were grown and I had nothing else to do, I wanted to go sit all day at the fair and watch the judging from start to finish.

I finally got to make that dream come true this year, plus be a part of it by covering the food portion for Lincoln Daily News. Nothing could have been more sweet or decadent than these gorgeous cakes unless Grandma had been sitting right next to me.

With a county chocked full of outstanding bakers and cooks, the number of entries rises each year like a five-layer cake! Where do all these prize-winning recipes come from? Like me, many of the exhibitors of the fair have deep roots in the Logan County Fair. Generations of family members entering and winning for all kinds of reasons.  

Perhaps for some it’s the thrill of the competition and the cheer of the crowd! For another maybe it’s a family tradition. The competition attracts young and old, experienced and new bakers alike. How refreshing it is to see children and young adults taking an interest in baking and cooking!

Not only is the cake competition a joy to watch but it’s interesting to see the techniques perfected by the bakers. Some bakers never use a written recipe; they rely simply on the feel, smell and taste of their works of art and the recipes in their heads.

Those winning cake recipes came from both newcomers and experienced bakers. It is amazing to see how many entries there are and it makes one wonder where all of the recipes came from.

Were they passed down from grandmother to granddaughter (or grandson)?   The contestants’ answers to those questions vary; some don’t use a recipe, some have it all in their head, some have special recipes in their family cookbook or recipe box.  

This year, not only did the county’s best bakers have to compete with each other; they had to battle the oppressive heat and humidity.

Some of the cakes held up surprisingly well, some of them wilted, along with the interested spectators. But, even the cakes with the melting frosting merited a prize, as the taste is what matters the most. The top cake was a Red Velvet with butter cream frosting and it was sold for $800. Grab Your Fork and experience some of the Logan County Fair Food in your own kitchen!