PORT ROYAL — The sweet scent of competition will rise again at the 171st Juniata County Fair, where home bakers will square off in a series of contests that celebrate tradition, skill, and Pennsylvania’s deep agricultural roots.

From airy angel food cakes to the quintessential apple pie, the fair’s baking competitions draw entrants of all ages and backgrounds, each hoping their creation will claim a coveted blue ribbon and a shot at state honors.

Angel Food Cake: A test of precision

Among the most anticipated events is the 21st Annual Incredible Angel Food Cake Contest, sponsored by Pennsylvania Egg Farmers and the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs. The contest will take place on Saturday, Aug. 30, with entries required in place a day earlier, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Angel food cake stands out as a technical challenge–fat-free, leavened only by whipped egg whites, and demanding a deft hand. The official rules require that each cake be made from scratch, with Pennsylvania-produced eggs encouraged. Each entry must include a full recipe submission. Past winners of this contest at any other fair in 2025 are not eligible, opening the field to a new champion.

Judges will examine each cake according to a strict rubric: 40% for flavor, 30% for inside features such as texture and lightness, 20% for overall appearance, and 10% for topping or decoration. The first-place winner will earn more than a ribbon–an invitation to compete at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, where a $500 top prize awaits.

Apple Pie: Blue Ribbon tradition

Few desserts have inspired as much reverence, or friendly rivalry, as apple pie. The 37th Annual Blue Ribbon Apple Pie Contest returns to the Juniata County Fair on Saturday, Aug. 31, inviting amateur bakers to submit their signature recipes. All pies must arrive on Friday, Aug. 29, during the designated hours.

More than 100 Pennsylvania fairs host preliminary rounds in this storied contest, which culminates in January at the Farm Show in Harrisburg. The Juniata County Fair’s winner will advance to the state competition, with $500 on the line for the Farm Show’s top apple pie.

To enter, bakers must meet several requirements: only Pennsylvania residents are eligible to compete, and entrants cannot have won first place in this contest at another fair in 2025. Each pie must be made from scratch; no pre-made mixes or crusts allowed, and must have at least 60% apples in the filling. Pies do not need to be “traditional” double-crust; creativity is welcome, so long as all decorations and ingredients are edible.

Entries must be submitted in food-safe disposable pans, as dishes will not be returned. Each baker must provide their recipe, including both the filling and crust, on standard-size paper with contact information on the reverse. Recipes and pies become the property of the fair or Farm Show.

Judging is rigorous. Each pie will be evaluated for flavor (35 points), filling (25 points), crust (20 points), overall appearance (15 points), and creativity (5 points). Refrigeration is not available, and entries requiring refrigeration after baking are not eligible for sale or distribution post-judging.

Chocolate Cake: A showpiece of skill

For many, chocolate cake defines celebration. The 2025 Homemade Chocolate Cake Contest, sponsored by the Pennsylvania State Association of County Fairs, is set for Saturday, Aug. 30. This event brings together amateur bakers who must craft a layered and frosted chocolate cake from scratch, using chocolate or cocoa as the featured ingredient.

The contest has clear parameters: the finished cake, including decorations, must not exceed 12 inches in height, width, or depth. Only Pennsylvania residents may enter, and every component must be homemade. Like other baking competitions, the Juniata County Fair’s chocolate cake contest serves as a qualifier for the Farm Show’s final, where another $500 grand prize will be awarded.

Since its founding in 1912, the PSACF has worked to promote Pennsylvania agriculture and tourism, hosting fairs that draw millions of visitors each year. These baking contests are a highlight, drawing attention to both local talent and the products of the Commonwealth.

Junior Baking: Spotlight on young talent

The fair’s spirit of inclusion extends to its youngest bakers with the PA Preferred® Junior Baking Contest featuring cookies, brownies, and bars. Scheduled for Aug. 30, this contest is open to amateur bakers between the ages of 8 and 18 who reside in Pennsylvania. Entries must be homemade and feature at least two ingredients either produced under the PA Preferred® label or sourced locally.

Like the other contests, the junior baking event at the Juniata County Fair is a qualifier for the state-level finals at the Farm Show, where the first-place winner will receive $500. The goal of the contest is not only to recognize skill but also to foster a connection between young people and Pennsylvania’s agricultural community.

Entry details and resources

All contest entries must be delivered to the fairgrounds on Friday, Aug. 29, between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Each contest has specific requirements for recipes, pan types, and ingredient sourcing, so entrants are encouraged to read the rules before preparing their baked goods.

For more information or with questions, bakers can contact contest coordinator Glenda Fultz at (717) 348-7752. Complete rules and guidelines for each event are available on the fair’s official website, www.juniatacountyfair.com.