Kayla Woodard and Sally Roberson turned out the best tasting and appealing dessert at the Community Dessert Contest and Bake Sale held on the grounds of The Black House. The event featured local bakers and organizations, giving them the opportunity to enter a tasty treat and to also sell their wares.
Woodard and Roberson make up K&S Baked Goods, and their turtle cupcake impressed the judges garnering them a first-place win.
“We are so very excited,” said Roberson. “In fact we love to bake and are thinking about expanding our business ventures.” Their booth was filled with various cookies and cupcake choices, and the popular red, white and blue jar cake, which is appropriate for the patriotic holiday.
Bake sale attendee Carol Bradley enjoyed shopping and visiting with vendors. She recently moved here from Florida to be near her son and daughter-in-law.
“I’m new to the community, and I wanted to come today to support them and the community,” said Bradley. “I am really enjoying living here and the small-town effect and the fact we don’t have traffic problems.”
The historic Black House was open for tours with several visitors viewing the interior of the home, as well as partaking in activities in the courtyard.
“We were very happy with the event,” said Black House director Jeanette Lowery. “We had several sponsors, volunteers and board members working to make it a success, and we hope to make it an annual event.”
Exhibitors included North Hills Church of God of Prophecy, Addie Lee Fults, Sweet Suzi’s Blue Ribbon Fudge, Caring Hearts United, Hickory Creek FCE Club and K&S Baked Goods.
Caring Hearts United prepared funnel cakes under the gazebo, providing piping hot desserts for visitors. They were topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar.
“We are making them at Main Street Live this year,” said Alma Shoemaker. “We found a recipe, doctored it a little and make our own batter from scratch.”
North Hills served the judges a delicious banana pudding, one they awarded second place. Their booth was filled with cookies, cake, fudge, fried pies, banana pudding and other delicacies provided by church members.
McMinnville Chief of Police Bryan Denton, Warren County Sheriff Jackie Matheny and County Executive Hershel Wells were the esteemed judges.
“Man, this is tough work,” said Denton, as he tasted the baking entries. “They chose us because they knew we had the best taste and appetites in the county.”
The Black House is the oldest remaining residence in McMinnville, and was built in 1825 by Jesse Coffee. The house is situated on the corner of Main and High streets, and gained its name from Dr. Thomas Black, who resided there and practiced medicine there for many years.