The Union County Heritage Festival is set for Saturday, October 4, 2025, and one of the sweetest traditions will once again take center stage: the Cake and Pie Contests. Bakers of all ages are invited to show off their skills, compete for cash prizes, and help raise funds for the Union County Family & Community Education (FCE) Club.

The contests are free to enter and open to all. Every entry must be completely homemade, with no store-bought mixes, fillings, or frostings permitted. Participants must submit a recipe card with ingredients and instructions, along with a completed registration form, at the time of entry.

Prizes will be awarded as follows: Grand Champion in each contest will receive $100, while first-place winners in each category will receive $50.

The Cake Contest categories include Layered Cake, Sheet Cake, and Bundt Cake. The Pie Contest will feature Fruit, Cream, and Nut/Other categories.

Entries should be delivered to the Union County Extension Office, 2721 Maynardville Highway, during the following times: Thursday, October 2, from 4 to 5 p.m., or Friday, October 3, from 8 to 11 a.m. Judging for both contests will be held Friday, October 3, at 12:30 p.m.

Following judging, the community will have the opportunity to purchase the cakes and pies. Sales will be handled through Facebook beginning at 2 p.m. Friday, October 3, on a first-come, first-served basis. Grand Champion cakes and pies will be sold for $30, first-place winners for $20, and all others for $15.

All proceeds from the sales will go directly to the Union County FCE Club to support local programs and services.

“This is a great way for bakers to get involved in the festival and for the community to enjoy delicious homemade desserts while supporting a worthy cause,” said contest organizers.

For more information about entering the contests, contact the Union County Extension Office at 865-992-8038 or email athom237@utk.edu.