Best cakes in Logan County raise record support for 4-H

[August 10, 2018]  As the 82nd Annual Logan County Fair neared the end Sunday afternoon, a 53-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 4-H.

At the auction, the eight cakes auctioned by Mike Maske raised a record setting total $4,800, surpassing last year’s $3,495 by over $1,300.

As in years' past, this entire amount will go directly to the Logan County 4-H to support programs throughout the year.

After the results of the Cake Classic judging were announced, each winner brought his or her cake up to be auctioned by Maske, who asked each baker to describe the cake and hold it up for the audience to see during the bidding.

Once each cake was auctioned, the baker posed for a photo with the buyer plus Fair Queen Molly Schempp and Little Miss Kylee Fulk.

Jim and Darcy Culler were the top bidders for the first-place cake, with a bid of $900, continuing their long-standing tradition of buying cakes at the auction.



As part of another longstanding tradition, the McLaughlin family presented a plaque to the first-place winner in honor of Annie Lori McLaughlin.



The Cullers then presented a basket to the first-place winner.

Top four cakes:



First Place: Darlene Crider - Orange Chiffon Cake
Crider said, “It has orange juice and lemon zest in it.”

The top bidder at $900 was Jim and Darcy Culler.



Second Place: Jeanne Runyon – Chocolate Cake
Runyon said, “It is very tall, it is very chocolaty and kind of melty.”

Stacy Goodman, representing his late father Harold Goodman, who passed away since the last fair in 2017, won the bidding at $700.



Third Place: Carlene Carter – White Butter Cake
Carter said, “It is white and buttery.”

Jim Xamis won the bidding at $500. Xamis said he wanted to donate the cake to be sold again, so it could raise even more money for the 4-H foundation.

The top bidder this time was Stacy Goodman at $500.



Fourth Place: Karen Sandel – German Chocolate Cake
Sandel said, “what can you say about this cake?”

Nancy Schaub, representing the R.W. Garrett Agency, won the bidding at $600.

Other classic cakes auctioned:



Daniel Crider – Teen Chocolate Cake
Hannah Crider, who stood in for her brother, said, “It’s good.”

Lauren Stanfield won the bidding at $400.



Dana Oltmanns – Spice Cake
Oltmanns said, “It turned out pretty good.”

Mary Ellen Martin won the bidding at $500.



David Carter – Red Velvet Cake
Carter said, “It is red and velvety, which is where the name comes from.”

Marvin Bartman won the bidding at $300, then asked that it be resold, with the other portion of the money to go to Zion Lutheran School.

Jim Xamis won the second bid at $300.



Joyce Conrady – Angel Food Cake
Conrady said, “I had fun doing this.”

Ben Conrady won the bidding at $400.


Joyce Conrady

Dana Oltmans

Karen Sandel


Among the Carters, Criders, and Runyons, who are veterans of the competition, were newer faces Karen Sandel, Joyce Conrady, and Dana (Martin) Oltmanns.

Oltmanns said she started baking when she was five and has been baking for 53 years. She took a break from the competition, but is back after 10 years.

Most of these contestants enjoy baking and the friendly competition, though the heat made it a challenge. In addition, it is a great way to raise funds for the 4-H programs.

Mike Maske has been donating his service to the auction for many years and always prompts bidders to go higher. As the grand total of $4,800 indicates, the donors like to support a great program and enjoy delicious cakes.


[Angela Reiners]