Union County bakers, it’s time to preheat the ovens—the Cake and Pie Contests are back for the 2025 Union County Heritage Festival. This much-loved tradition brings together the community’s best bakers while raising funds to support the Union County Family & Community Education (FCE) Club.

The contests are free to enter and open to all ages. Entries must be completely homemade, with no store-bought mixes, frostings, crusts, or fillings allowed. Each entry should be accompanied by a recipe card and completed registration form.

Cakes will be judged in three categories: Layered Cake, Sheet Cake, and Bundt Cake. Pies will be judged in three categories as well: Fruit, Cream, and Nut/Other.

Prizes include $100 for the Grand Champion in both the Cake and Pie Contests, and $50 for the first-place winner in each category. Judging will be based on appearance, texture, crust, and taste.

Entries must be delivered to the Union County Extension Office, 2721 Maynardville Highway, during one of the following drop-off times: Thursday, October 2, from 4 to 5 p.m., or Friday, October 3, from 8 to 11 a.m. Judging will take place Friday, October 3, at 12:30 p.m.

Once judging is complete, the community will have the chance to take home these homemade creations. Cakes and pies will be sold through Facebook beginning at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 3, on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices are set at $30 for Grand Champion cakes and pies, $20 for first-place winners, and $15 for all other entries.

All proceeds from the sales will benefit the Union County FCE Club, which provides valuable programs and services to the community throughout the year.

Organizers encourage everyone—whether seasoned bakers or newcomers—to enter the contests and share a taste of Union County’s tradition. And for those who prefer to sample rather than bake, there will be plenty of opportunities to support local programs by purchasing a delicious, homemade cake or pie.

🙏 A special thank you to our sponsors:

-Pie Contest – sponsored by Tammie Hill, Realty Executives

-Cake Contest – sponsored by Benchmark Physical Therapy, Maynardville, TN

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