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A special holiday tradition continues this year at the Smith Mansion in Madison! Chef Art Smith and the Board of Reunion, a 501c3 community enrichment educational program, invite you to participate in and attend the 2nd annual Holiday Bake-Off and reception. The community is invited to submit items for the bake-off and to attend and enjoy this year’s festivities on Sunday, Dec. 18 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The mansion has been beautifully decorated by local community members, and lots of fun activities are planned for the afternoon. Special music will be provided by local students and musicians, and children will have the opportunity to visit with Santa and take an old fashioned horse and buggy ride. The highlight for the afternoon will be sampling of the baked items and presentation of awards to the winners of each category.
Chef Art believes every baker is a winner, and he invites amateur bakers from the age of six and older to submit cookies, cakes and breads for this year’s competition. All entries will be served during the reception and a panel of celebrity judges will select a top baker for each category in the junior division (ages 6 – 12) and the teen/adult division (ages 13 and older). The winner of each category will receive a $500 cash prize.
Rules for the Holiday Bake-off are simple and as follows:
1. Each participant must choose one category in which to submit an entry. The categories are:
- Cookies (Adult)
- Cookies (Junior – ages 6–12)
- Cakes (Adult)
- Cakes (Junior – ages 6–12)
- Bread (Adult)
- Bread (Junior – ages 6- 12)
2. Depending on your category, submit two dozen cookies of the same recipe, one cake, or one loaf of bread. Baked items can be dropped off at the Smith Mansion between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. Please use a disposable container that you do not expect to have returned. We cannot be responsible for containers, trays, plates, etc. Items submitted after the deadline will be served at the reception, but cannot be included in the judging.
3. Submit a typed copy of your recipe with the baked good. The recipe becomes the property of Chef Art Smith and may be used in a cookbook that will assist in charity efforts. Your name will be credited on your recipe.
4. If peanuts or peanut products are used in your item, tag the item appropriately.
5. Register in advance by visiting http://tiny-url.com/chefsmith or stop by A Main Street Realty, located at 186 SW Range Ave., Madison, to complete an entry form.
6. All entry registration forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Dec. 15.
7. Ages 6 to 12 are considered junior bakers and ages 13 and older are considered teen/adult bakers.
For more information, call Jessica Webb at (850) 673-8696 or email MainStreetMadisonFl@g-mail.com.