The Red Wagon Ministry 2012 Cupcake Challenge Rules for Competition Cupcake Participants:
Bakers of all skill levels are invited to participate in the 2nd Annual Cupcake Challenge hosted by The Red Wagon Ministry in Winchester, VA. The theme for this year’s event is Nursery Rhymes. Contestants will compete against one another in the category of their choice. The three categories for this year are

1.) Sugar and Spice 2.) All ‘round the Garden 3.) Down in the Barnyard.

A baker may enter only one category. The winning cupcake from each category will be chosen by a panel of judges. Cupcake entries will be judged according to taste, decorative design and expression of theme.

Contestants must bring six dozen cupcakes in standard size cupcake papers. All cupcakes must be decorated using the same theme. One dozen cupcakes are to be boxed by the baker for judging and the Cupcake Carry-Out Sale. The cupcakes will be collected during set-up. In addition, one cupcake must be saved, for display and photographing, if chosen as a winner. Box mixes or store bought icing are NOT permitted. Using either disqualifies the entry from judging, but it can still be enjoyed by the audience. All decorations must be edible. The use of nuts, peanuts or other highly allergenic ingredients in recipes must be posted.

Each contestant will be provided a table covered area (3’ x 6’) and two chairs only. Signage or other promotional material is encouraged, but limited to size and must be tastefully respectful to others. Sales of promotional material and baked goods, other than the entered cupcakes, will not be permitted.

Every contestant must complete a Cupcake Entry Form including a brief bio paragraph. The name of the nursery rhyme chosen must be noted upon entry. A sign at each station will provide a number, name of nursery rhyme, name and/or name of business and bio of each entrant. A number will be provided upon receiving all completed information to enter the competition. This assigned number will need to be written on the bottom of all cupcake papers for judging purposes. A cupcake without a number can still be eaten and enjoyed, but will not be included in the voting count.

In a provided goodie bag, each baker will receive two complimentary cupcake coupons. If you or your assistant would like to sample additional cupcakes please purchase additional cupcake coupons.

This year we are going to add “The Golden Cupcake Award” to encourage involvement between the crowd and bakers. Each baker will have a golden box on their table space and the audience will stuff their box with monetary donations. The baker having the most donations will be the winner of “The Golden Cupcake Award.” Proceeds will benefit The Red Wagon Ministry.

Again we will do the “Audience Favorite Award.” The audience will cast votes at their table for their favorite cupcake. Votes will be counted and the cupcake with the most audience votes will receive the “Audience Favorite Award.”

Electronic entries are due Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. If you will not be able to participate in the Cupcake Challenge after your entry has been accepted, please notify Jody Stephenson, The Red Wagon Ministry, via email theredwagonministry@gmail.com or phone (540) 955-0949. All entrants will be permitted to set-up as early as 11:30 a.m. and must be ready for competition by 1:45 p.m. Cupcakes are not to be released to the audience until the event is officially opened by the Master of Ceremony.Click here to Register