• Registration for Judging Day • October 24th
• Registration for Awards Banquet • November 7th
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Attention everyone involved with Adult or Youth Baking!
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

Judging for all three State Baking categories (State Baking/Lemon Bliss Cake, State Two Crusted Apple Pie and Youth Baking/Smore Granola Bars) has been moved and will now be held on Saturday, October 24th, 2026.
All winning entries should be brought to the Durham Community Center located at 144 Pickett Lane, Durham, CT 06422 on Saturday, October 24^th from 9am - 11am. Optional entry pickup will be offered from 2pm-3pm at the close of entry judging. Any entries that are not picked up will be donated.
The Banquet & Awards Ceremony is taking place, as previously scheduled, on Saturday, November 7th, 2026 at 6pm at the Sheraton Hartford South Hotel, 100 Capital Blvd. Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
You are welcome to contact us with any questions at Baking@ctagfairs.org but we have included some FAQ below that we think will be helpful.
We hope you are all enjoying your summer,
Megan Boyles and Laurie Skornia
CT State Baking Committee Co-Chairs
FAQ
Q: Why the change?
A: To enhance the experience of our bakers! For years we have heard the same commentary over and over. Our exhibitors love participating in the State Contests but they do not enjoy having to drop off their entries first thing in the morning and then wait around with nothing to do until that evening when the Banquet and Awards Ceremony happens. The suggestion/request that judging should take place on a different day is nothing new. Additionally, any of you that have ever attended the Annual ACF meeting and convention that traditionally takes place at the same time as judging can attest to how busy that day is. Currently our bakers are dropping off their entries in a whirlwind of activity that predominantly revolves around all the behind the scenes aspects of our agricultural fairs community. We want our bakers to really get a chance to feel like they are competing in something special that is all about them! By separating the judging of State Baking from the events of the ACF annual meeting it allows us the time, space and opportunity to fully celebrate the accomplishments of each and every one of YOUR fair level winners. We have a few extra surprises up our sleeves for them that day and we think they are really going to appreciate this new experience.
Q: Why weren’t we told about this sooner?
A: Honestly? We didn’t know that this possibility was going to present itself until a matter of weeks ago. We are thrilled that things came together as quickly as they did and are glad that we were able to nail down the details so that we could tell you now.
Q: So how does this impact what happens at the Individual fair level?
A: For the most part it doesn’t. You are still responsible for submitting your winners within two weeks of when your fair’s judging takes place. How you submit those winners remains the same. You will still register your winners for the Banquet & Awards Ceremony the way that you have in previous years. All we ask is that you please make sure that you are giving your winners the correct information regarding the change in date for judging.
Q: Does that mean that the bakers will find out who won on judging day?
A: Nope! The results of the judging and the winners will not be announced until the Banquet and Awards Ceremony. Who doesn’t love a little suspense?
Q: Can bakers have someone drop off their entries on their behalf?
A: Absolutely. There is no change to our long standing policy that an alternate person can drop off a baker’s entry. Life happens and we always want to give winners every opportunity to participate in the state level competition.
Q: Will the location of the judging still change every year?
A: No. For the foreseeable future the Durham Community Center will be the home for State Baking Contest judging. Our committee is excited to have an official homebase of our very own.
Q: Will the State Baking website be updated with the new information?
A: You bet! Not only will the change in judging date and venue be highlighted on the website but we are also going to be posting individual fair level winners as soon as they are reported all during fair season. Just one more way to celebrate our bakers!
Q: Didn’t the entries get auctioned off in past years?
A: Yes they did. What the proceeds of the auction/bake sale has benefitted has changed a few times over the years but the auction itself has been around for a while. However, in order to be in better compliance with Connecticut Department of Health rules and guidelines, that is not a practice we will be able to continue, regardless of where and when judging takes place.
Still have questions? Reach out to Megan and Laurie at: Baking@ctagfairs.org