Good morning,
Please, I need some advice about few things.
Because I am new in all of this, can someone please tell me, what do I need to do to enter, with my cakes and pastries, fair contests. Do I need some permits for that? What about kitchen-can I make those things in home kitchen or do I need to rent comercial to make them?
Can you tell me from this point what do I need to do ( how to enter and what else is there for me to do).
Also , what about is someone wants to sell baked things on fairs; or on farmers markets; or bake sale? Are there some special permits or licence for that?
Are there differences between fair contests and sugarcraft contests entering rules ( home kitchen or no-permits and licence or no)?
Thanks
Makica

Hi, You don't need permits to enter in fair contests. Just fill out an entry form and pay the fee (if any). Fairs don't really require participants to prepare their entry at the Fair. It is usually made at home then you just bring them there at a designated time and day. But they have strict rules that you must follow..Like everything should be from scratch, the cake filling has to be at least 1/2 inch etc...things like that.. when I entered in the CA State Fair this past summer, which was really my first time, I followed all the rules..Luckily I won First Place (Blue Ribbon), Best of Show, Best of Division and Best of Class...Just do what they want and even more , then your chances of winning are very good... Judges don't like intense flavors or no appeal entries.

NOW, when it comes to selling, I don't know, I have never sold anything at fairs or festivals...I think you need a permit since you are doing this for business..

I'm with eve. I just baked the cakes following the rules and entered the contest. no permits, etc.

Good luck to you!
Debbie

It might differ depending on the state, but in my state(OH) in order to sell any type of food you need a temporary food permit. I think there is an application fee and its $30-$50 a day with a maximum of 5 days. If you are selling your items at a fair they allow you a permit for 7 days. This doesn't include fair cake entries I believe...this is only if you have you own booth. I would look up your health department website or department of agriculture. Hope this was helpful.

Some decorating contests, including fairs, require cakes to be created on dummies. The judging in on the decorating, not the baking. No kitchen license is required because no one eats the cakes.

Baking contests vary from contest to contest. They do not offer these for sale to the public, so generally, a license is not required.

Selling baked goods to the public at fairs, markets etc, requires a license and an inspected kitchen. Your Department of Agriculture can give you the rules for your state.

JoAnn

Thanks for quick reply.
makica

You'll be best to check with the local fair people. My cakes were also tasted.

Also, decorating cakes for a contest is different than selling them at the fair. I know in our area you are required to take a food safety class and the food prep area at the fair has to be passed by the local health department before any food can be sold or served. The liscense must be displayed during the entire event and the health department has the option of spot checks during the event.

Good luck
Debbie