The Retail Bakers of America, McLean, Va., announced the cake decorators who qualified to compete in RBA's 8th Annual Pillsbury Grand Champion Creative Decorating Competition to be held Sept. 22-23 during the American Bakery Expo in Atlantic City, N.J.
Some contestants qualified for the national competition by winning their regional association competitions, and others qualified as independent candidates. All contestants are members of RBA, work full-time or part-time in a retail bakery, and have a minimum of four years of decorating experience. For two days, the following cake decorators will compete in front of a live audience on the trade show floor:
Christel Andrew, Kirsten's Danish Bakery (Chicago Area Retail Bakers Association)
Sarah Crews, ele Cake Co. (Ohio Bakers Association)
Megan Dean, Palmers Market, Darien, Conn. (Independent)
Pat Delaney, Food Circus Foodtown (New Jersey Baker's Board of Trade)
Heather Droege, Byers Butterflake Bakery, Leola, Pa. (Independent)
Michelle Hillman, Hornbacher's (Upper Midwest Bakery Association)
Patricia Kalupa, CD, Kalupa's Bakery (Southeastern Retail Bakers Association)
Rita Llanson, Touche' Touchet Bakery, Columbia, Md. (Independent)
Sarah Long, Byers Butterflake Bakery, Leola, Pa. (Independent)
Ilene McHone, Classic Cakes (Midwest Bakery & Deli Association)
Sarah Profitt, ele Cake Co. (Greater Cincinnati Retail Bakers Association)
Nancy Sepe, Nancy's Fancies Cake, Providence, R.I. (Independent)
Daila Siemens, Rick's Bakery, (Greater Southwest Retail Bakers Association)
Phuong Truong, CD, The Ambrosia Bakery (Deep South Retail Bakers Association)
Mistie Underhill, Busy B's Bakery, Cedar Hill, Texas (Independent)
The highest scoring individual, as determined by the panel of judges, will be awarded the coveted Pillsbury Grand Champion Trophy, sponsored by General Mills. Gold, silver, and bronze medals also will be awarded for the highest three scores in each of six categories.