The Morean Arts Center invites you to compete in a city-wide search for St. Petersburg’s BEST CUPCAKE. This is the 8th Annual Great St. Pete Cupcake Contest, celebrating artistry in a unique way. The contest will be hosted at the Morean Center for Clay located in the Warehouse Arts District at 420 22nd Street South – Saturday, August 25 from 12-3 p.m.
Following last year’s 100th birthday celebration in honor of the Morean’s 100th anniversary, close to 100 bakers competed, and expect to have a similar number for the 8th Annual contest! A $15 entry fee allows each participant to enter one submission. A minimum of 4 delicious cupcakes are required for entry so that the judges can taste each submission.
Registration is officially open as of June 1, and contestants may complete entry forms and liability waivers via the Morean Arts Center’s website. Deadline for entering the contest is Monday, August 20; although the number of contestants has been expanded, the Morean Arts Center expects to max out as usual, so early registration is encouraged.
First and Second Place awards will be given in both Novice and Professional categories as well as the People’s Choice award. The Morean Arts Center will continue to accept entries for additional categories including Youth/Teen for those aspiring bakers ages 10-16 years old, and the Specialty category for those choosing to offer Gluten Free or Vegan recipes.
The winners in 2017 were: First Place Professional: Alexis Blanton; Pancake Breakfast at Tiffany’s First Place Novice: Michael Ash; Samoa First Place Specialty: Vincent House; Black Bean S’mores First Place Youth/Teen: Rachel O’Brien; Chocolate Chip Carrot Cake People’s Choice: Michelle Saxton; Pick of the Patch Pumpkin
Over 500 contestants have competed in this contest over the past six years, and the Morean Arts Center is expecting yet another phenomenal turnout this year. Cupcakes will be judged on icing/frosting, flavor/texture and presentation/creativity for a total of 50 points, which allows plenty of room for edible creativity. The winners will receive bragging rights around St. Petersburg and a handmade cupcake trophy by a local artist to be announced later this summer.
The winning cupcakes will enjoy fame and fortune as a celebrity on the Morean website, Facebook page and city-wide media. Awards announced at 3 p.m. The People’s Choice award will be voted on by the attending audience. Participants in the contest are encouraged to bring sufficient quantities for the public to taste, but not required. Votes will be tallied and winner of the People’s Choice Award announced at 3 p.m. $5 admission will be collected to help support the Morean Arts Center’s mission of Connecting People with Art. Admission includes 5 ballots, additional ballots can be purchased for $1 (cash or credit).
Registration will be capped at 100 contestants. Please send in forms as soon as possible. Multiple submissions are allowed, but each flavor entered needs to be accompanied by a separate registration form and entry fee. For information or questions on how to enter the contest, please call the Morean Arts Center at 727.822.7872 or go online and download the entry form at MoreanArtsCenter.org
