ORANGE — The annual contest to find the best baker in the North Quabbin region is back.
Cupcake Wars, now in its sixth year, will be held on Sunday, Oct. 22, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Orange American Legion, 40 Daniel Shays Highway. Run by Helene Holmes and her daughter Abigail, the competition is based on a similar one on the Food Network.
Approximately 30 bakers take part in the event, divided into four categories — professional, amateur, under 18, and children under 7, a new entry this year. Those in the third category can have some help from an adult, but must do 75% of the work. Each baker makes three dozen cupcakes, plus samples, and provides them to the judges, who are sequestered. A list of ingredients is also provided.
“That way, the judges don’t know who baked what and the bakers don’t know who the judges are,” Holmes said.
Each year has a different theme for the cupcakes, and each baker can create different flavors for their entry. Themes in the past have included holidays, USA, celebrations “and this year it’s ‘around the world,’” Holmes said. “Anything they can figure out that can qualify for that category will be considered.”
Decorations can range from the very simple to the elaborate. The cupcakes don’t need to be made from scratch, and the only requirement is they must not have alcohol as an ingredient. The reason for this restriction is because the event is a fundraiser for the alcohol-free and drug-free after-prom party for Ralph C. Mahar Regional School. Holmes estimated that the Cupcake Wars raises approximately $1,000 each year.
Bakers and judges will arrive at the venue at around 12:30 p.m. and the event opens to the public at 1:30 p.m. Standard admission is $10 and includes two voting tickets and a two-cupcake holder. There’s also a deluxe admission of $15, which includes four voting tickets, plus a four-cupcake holder. All visitors also get one theme voting ticket. More tickets can be purchased if needed, and additional cupcake holders will be available. Visitors can either take cupcakes home or enjoy them at the event.
“Every time you vote, the baker takes your vote and puts it in a can with their number on it and gives you a full-size cupcake,” Holmes said. “So, you walk around and taste all these cupcakes and decide which ones you want to vote for.”
Greg Vine can be reached at gvineadn@gmail.com.