The Finch and Rose State Literary Society cake decorating contest was a "smash" this year.  "Nothing Compares" to the fun we had.  Our guest judge was author Mary Kay Shanley.  We had four entries this year which was double what we had last year.  Just think what we will have next year!

This contest is really fun.  Contestants are challenged to bake (from scratch) and decorate a birthday cake to celebrate Iowa!  The contest is called, "Decorate Iowa".  We hope you enjoy the pictures of our contest winners, judges, and the blue ribbon cake.  First Place or our Blue Ribbon winner received $100.00 and a signed copy of Mary Kay Shanley's book, "Our State Fair - Iowa's Blue Ribbon Story".  Second place received $75.00 and a signed copy of Mary Kay Shanley's book.  Third place received $25.00 and a signed copy of Mary Kay Shanley's book.  Each entry received a beautiful Finch and Rose bookmark.

Our Blue Ribbon Winner by Jenny Slight from Des Moines.

Contestants and Judges from left to right....Brenda Becker from Pella, Honorable Mention, Cristen Clark from Runnells, 3rd Place, Judge Mary Kay Shanley, Amy Fuson from Indianola, 2nd Place, Jenny Slight from Des Moines, 1st Place, Judges Michelle Bliss and Adele Ver Steeg.