The second annual Literary Cake-off event brought great creativity and baking skills to the Manlius Library on Nov. 16.
“I think this year’s participants went above and beyond what there was last year,” said celebrity judge Cyndi Kelder of Mrs. Kelder’s Cakes. “I’m very impressed with the skills shown this year. It was hard to make a decision.”
The cake-off is a competition where participants create a cake based of a literary theme. This year had three participants in two entry categories. In the adult (above 16) category, Valerie Ross won first place for her cake related to the book, “If You Give a Moose a Muffin,” by Laura Numeroff and second place was taken by Cynthia Skvarch for her cake related to the book, “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake,” also by Laura Nemeroff.
First place in the 16 and under category went to Emily Shiroff for her cake based off the book, “The Fault in Our Stars,” by John Green.
The people’s choice award was voted on by spectators and was awarded to Ross’ moose cake.
“I think this event is great for the library because it brings people in to show off their talents,” Kelder said. “I’m often asked to make cakes at my shop based off of someone’s favorite character so, it’s good for me to see how other people do it.”
Skvarch said she spent about 24 hours working on her cake, and participated this year because she works in the culinary industry but also likes to bake as a hobby.
“It was a good excuse to make a cake and I hope more people participate next year,” Skvarch said.
According to Tibbi Angelastro, community relations director at the Manlius Library, the literary cake-off was started last year at the Manlius Library to help promote the bakeware collection that is available for circulation at the library.
Although this year’s event was not as well attended as last year’s cake-off, Angelastro said the library hopes to expand the event in the future.
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].
