Cake Classic auction: Eat cake and support 4-H

[August 11, 2015]  LINCOLN - On Sunday afternoon as the fair neared its end for 2015, a 51-year-tradition continued as several cakes were baked and judged before a live audience, then later auctioned off to the highest bidders to raise money for the 4-H programs.

At the auction, the eight cakes auctioned by Mike Maske garnered $3,450. As in years' past, this entire amount will go directly to the Logan County 4-H in order to support their programs throughout the year.

After the results of the judging were shared, each winner brought his or her cake up to be auctioned by Maske.

Maske asked each of the bakers to describe their cake and hold it up for the audience to see during the bidding. After each cake was auctioned, the baker and buyer posed for a photo with Miss Logan County Fair Lizzie Ford and Little Miss Preslee Sherren.

Continuing their yearly tradition, Cullers' French Fries was once again the top bidder for the grand prize cake, with a bid in the amount of $800.

Sivori Catering placed the highest bid on the second place cake as they have for the past several years, paying $650 for a chocolate cake made by Jeanie Runyon.

Continuing a 12-year tradition, the McLaughlin family presented a plaque in honor of Annie Lori McLaughlin. This year, it was presented by her namesake granddaughter.

1st Place: Cameron Runyon - Red Velvet Cake

Cameron said, "It's red with white icing - it's a good one."

The top bidder at $800 was Cullers' French Fries Jim and Darcy Cullers, who continued their years-long tradition of being the top supporter in the cake classic.

2nd Place: Chocolate - Jeanne Runyon

Jeanne said, "It's a very big chocolate cake, and it's good."

Sivori Catering won the bidding at $650.

3rd Place: German Chocolate - James Carter

James said, "It has nuts in it."

Harold Goodman won the bidding at $450.

4th Place: Teen Chocolate - Hannah Crider

Hannah said, "There is a lot of chocolate in it."

Nancy Schaub, representing Garrett Insurance, won the bidding at $350.

5th Place: Angel Food - David Carter

Baking the same kind of cake that placed 4th last year, he said, "It's got icing."

Darwin Runyon won the bidding at $250.

6th Place: Angie Likins - Spice Cake

Angie said, "It has lots of cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg."

Donnie Stanfield won the bidding at $300.

7th Place: Kelsi Ubbenga - White Butter Cake

Former fair queen Kelsey said, "I think it is delicious."

Glen Bryson won the bidding at $325.

8th Place: Annie Dunbar - Orange Chiffon Cake

Annie said, "It is a gluten free orange chiffon cake with a marmalade glaze."

Marvin Bartman won the bidding at $325.

Many of this year's contestants have made the cake classic a tradition, though there were a couple of new faces in the top places.

For families like the Runyons, Carters, and Criders, it has become a family tradition. There appears to be developing cake dynasties in these families as these three families dominate the competition with their expertise.

Most of these contestants enjoy baking and the friendly competition, but for many it is a great way to support both the fair and the 4-H programs.
Mike Maske has been donating his service to the auction for many years. As the sum total of $3,450 indicates, the donors really appreciate cake, but their motivation is more than beating out a "Betty Crocker" cake--they enjoy supporting the nurturing values of the 4-H program.

Support for 4-H and the fair is what the Logan County Cake Classic is really all about.

[Angela Reiners]