The annual Pie and Cake Contest at the Union County Heritage Festival was a huge hit this year, drawing an impressive 27 delicious entries from local bakers eager to show off their culinary talents. The sweet aroma of pies and cakes filled the air as judges sampled everything from fruit-filled creations to rich chocolate delights.

In the Pie Contest, Kathy Venturella took home the title of Grand Champion Pie and a $100 prize with her show-stopping Lemon Meringue Pie.

Union County bakers have one last chance to enter the Cake and Pie Contests at the 2025 Union County Heritage Festival. Entries will be accepted at the Union County Extension Office on Thursday, October 2, from 4 to 5 p.m., and Friday, October 3, from 8 to 11 a.m. Judging will take place Friday at 12:30 p.m.

The Cake & Pie Contests are back at the Union County Heritage Festival—Friday, October 3rd! This sweet tradition is serving up $500 in prize money for the best bakers in Union County.

Prizes:

Grand Champion (Cake & Pie): $100 each

1st Place in Each Category: $50 each

Cake Categories: Layered • Sheet • Bundt
Pie Categories: Fruit • Cream • Nut/Other

Entry Drop-Off: Thursday, Oct. 2 | 4–5 PM and Friday, Oct. 3 | 8–11 AM at the Union County Extension Office

Judging begins Friday, Oct. 3 at 12:30 PM.

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.

Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) members enjoyed a full month of activities in September, beginning with FCE Day at the Tennessee Valley Fair on Tuesday, September 9, in Knoxville.

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.

Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) held its August meeting at the Union County Extension Office. This month’s meeting featured a yard sale fundraiser, which proved to be a great success.

Members brought a wide variety of items including clothing, jewelry, children’s items, home décor, and household goods. Community members showed up in wonderful support, browsing the sale and helping raise funds to support our FCE programs. A special clothing deal at noon added excitement, allowing shoppers to fill a grocery bag with clothes for just five dollars.

Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) members are gearing up for a busy fall filled with service projects, educational opportunities, and special events.

At the August 21 meeting, the group will host a yard sale fundraiser at the Union County Extension Office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Proceeds will support community programs, educational outreach, and service projects throughout the year.

The UC Family & Community Education (FCE) Club held its annual Spring Luncheon and Cultural Arts Contest in May at the Extension office. With the theme “Hats Off to FCE,” the meeting space was transformed into an elegant tea party setting, complete with beautiful spring decorations. Members arrived in their Sunday best—lovely dresses and charming hats adding a touch of tradition and fun to the occasion.

On April 29th, members of the Union County FCE traveled to Kingston, TN, for the Eastern Region FCE "Spring Into FCE" event, an annual gathering that brings together members from across the region for a day of learning, networking, and community building.

The event featured a variety of activities, including live Bluegrass and Gospel music, which set the tone for an enjoyable morning. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the Blossom and Bee Boutique, a fundraiser for FCE.