It's the 60th edition of the Gerry Frank Chocolate Layer Cake Contest.
Don't miss this milestone event for one of the Fair's most beloved traditions.
Sunday, Sept. 1st at 1:00 pm on Columbia Hall's Explore Oregon Stage.
Contest Requirements
HOW TO ENTER CONTEST: Bring your cake to the Explore Oregon Stage in Columbia Hall on the Oregon State Fairgrounds, between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm on Sunday, September 1st. No entry form is required. Each entry shall admit the contestant to the Fairgrounds.
TYPE OF ENTRY: Any chocolate or devil’s food layer cake. No cake shall contain ready-mixes of any kind, including frostings. All entries shall be judged on the basis of appearance, texture and flavor.
Contestant is allowed only one (1) entry.
Indications of physical damage, as might occur in transit or handling, shall not be counted against the contestant by the judge. Any resident of Oregon may enter, except for professional bakers or professional home economists. Gerry Frank will judge entries.
Special 60th Anniversary Contest For Past Winners.
This year Mr. Frank welcomes back past winners over the 60 years to compete in a separate special competition to defend their championship title. This special category will follow after the primary competition, and will adhere to the same rules described above.
Awards
Our first place winner of the primary contest will be awarded a $250 Macy's Gift Card, and a copy of the new 4th edition of Gerry Frank’s Oregon guidebook.
Our special 60thanniversary contest winner will receive a one-night stay at The Grand Hotel in Salem, and dinner for two at Bentley’s.
Chocolate cake for all who attend.
Our friends at US Bank will be serving chocolate cake (while supplies last) to audience members and fair guests.
About Gerry Frank.
Gerry’s love of chocolate is recognized by legions. September 2019 marks the 60th year of the Gerry Frank Chocolate Layer Cake Contest at the Oregon State Fair, for which he has been the sole judge. It is the best-known and longest running cake contest in the country. Gerry was the founder of Gerry Frank’s Konditorei, a gourmet cake shop and restaurant in Salem.
Gerry Frank is well known for his Oregonian column. Look for the brand new 4th edition of Gerry Frank’s Oregon, a compilation of Gerry’s Oregonian travel columns along with historical and interesting tidbits about Oregon and treasured stories of the Meier and Frank families. His best-selling guidebook, Where to Find It, Buy It, Eat It in New York, has sold over one million copies and guided thousands throughout the tangles of Manhattan. The updated 20th edition was recently published.
Gerry Frank will stay on after the contests to sign books.
