Press Release:

The Upper Midwest Bakery Association held its first ever Ultimate Cake Decorating Competition at the Mall of America in Bloomington, MN on Sunday, November 4th. The contest featured 18 decorators with fourteen contestants competing in the wedding cake category and 14 competing in the birthday cake category. There was a lot of work put forth to make the whole day successful. There was an excellent group of competitive decorators representing the industry to the Mall of America crowd as well as family memebers and co-workers of the competitors showing their support for the 4 hour competition. The feedback from everyone involved was extremely positive. The event was a huge success.

Sunnie Guraedy of Arrowhead Miracle Mart, Minot, N. D. won First Place in both the wedding and birthday cake categories and took home two $1000 checks. Second place in the wedding cake category went to Juliet Brutger of Divine Cakes, Paynesville, MN while third place was claimed by Andrea Halleland of Erdman’s County Market of Kasson, MN.

In the birthday cake competition, Andrea Halleland took second while Juliet Brutger took third. Juliet Brutger also claimed the People’s Choice Awards in both categories. The public was invited to participate in the People’s Choice by voting for a suggested $1.00 donation going toward the UMBA Scholarship Fund for students studying the culinary arts or baking industry.

Guraedy completed a very successful year of decorating championships after winning the 2006 Pillsbury Grand Championship sponsored by the RBA and the 2007 IDDBA Decorating Competition.

The Ultimate Cake Decorating Contest was sponsored by the UMBA with donations of cash and materials from General Mills, Dawn Foods, Bakery Crafts, Gregory’s Foods, Best Brands and the Allied Golf Association. Sue Zelickson of WCCO radio was the event Master of Ceremonies and judges for the event were Gail Kollman, CD, CMB from SuperValu,
Marcy Alfonsi from St. Paul College and Craig Gustofson from American Cake Decorating magazine.

Submitted by:
Lynn Schurman
Contest Chair
Upper Midwest Bakery Association
308 Main St.
Cold Spring, MN 56320
For more information or pictures of the contest, contact Lynn at 320-685-8681 or lynnschu@aol.com

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