Bakers show off their talent in chamber cake decorating contest

Cakes decorated in a variety of themes and colors dazzled judges and onlookers at Saturday’s Cake Decorator’s Contest put on by the Cairo-Grady County Chamber of Commerce and Miss Myrt’s.

There were 10 entrants who displayed their cakes at Gate 16 Plaza Saturday where judges selected the winners and a people’s choice award was announced in each category. There were three contestants in the Kindergarten-5th grade division, one in adult/amateur, and six in adult/professional.

Debbi Miller of Miss Myrts comments, “Adult division cakes were all very unique with each cake having its own degree of difficulty, and the kids’ cakes were all very well done.”

Barbara Darus, chairman of the chamber of commerce, was also impressed with the submissions. Darus states, “We have some very talented decorators . . . I am glad I was not a judge.”

Miller’s daughter, Jenna Jones, made judging sheets for judges Cori Burnum Pope and Christina Issac, according to Darus, who pointed out that Jones has competed in national cake contests.

In the professional/adult category, the judges selected Sherika Hill, 1st place; Tamika McLendon, 2nd place; and Millie Snyder, 3rd place.

In amateur/adult, Ashley Maxwell won 1st place.

In the Kindergarten-5th grade category, there was a tie for 1st place between Sam Jones and Anna Lee Parks with Hensley Wall placing 2nd.

People’s Choice awards went to Anna Lee Parks for K-5; Ashley Maxwell for adult/amateur; and Millie Snyder for adult/professional.

Winners selected by judges received cash prizes and goodie bags. Adults winning 1st place received $100 from Miss Myrt’s plus gifts donated by Rumbles, Nivel, United National Bank and Fresh Start. Adults winning 2nd place received $75 from Miss Myrt’s and gift bags and 3rd place won $50 from Miss Myrt’s and a gift bag.

In the children’s division, 1st place winners received $50 from Miss Myrt’s, a gift bag and miniature cupcake set. The 2nd place winner received $25 from Miss Myrt’s, a gift bag and a miniature cupcake set.

Every contestant received a goody bag containing a spatula from Nordic Ware, flavoring from Cookie Nip, and gifts from Rumbles, Nivel and United National Bank.

Darus said, “Thank you to Al Rocuant and Gate 16 Plaza and Cafe for allowing us to have it there.”

Miller said she believes future decorating contests will be held.

“At Miss Myrt’s, we were excited to see how many decorators were actually interested in the show but couldn’t participate due to prior baking commitments, so I’m sure we’ll have another show coming along later this year,” Miller said.