The International Dairy·Deli·Bakery Association (IDDBA) is calling on decorators to enter its 17th annual Cake Decorating Challenge taking place at the Dairy-Deli-Bake Seminar and Expo, June 10-12, 2012, in New Orleans, La.

Sculpted cake from 2011 Cake Decorating Challenge winner Jodi Schwiess, Schnuck Markets, St. Louis.

Judges are looking for store-level decorators skilled in production cakes, theme cakes and wedding cakes One decorator from each of three supermarkets will be selected to compete in the three-day challenge.

The first day of the challenge will consist of creating enough production cakes to fill an 8’ bakery case. Day two is devoted to the creation of a wedding cake, and on day three, each contestant will decorate three cakes of their choosing, one from each category: special occasion, theme/event and decorator’s choice.

IDDBA will cover transportation, lodging and meals for each contestant during the competition. Materials and tools will be provided and each contestant will be able to keep the full set of professional cake decorating tips and supplies used for the challenge.

Cake decorators can enter by sending a photo album of the best cakes they have ever decorated, along with an entry form. Retailers may enter as many contestants as they choose. The deadline for entering is Feb. 14, 2012. Entry forms are available on www.iddba.org.