A sweet way to raise money

Cupcake Wars Championship will be from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Maple Street Theater in Rutherfordton. The event will help to support the Arts Council, said event organizer Marsha Daves.

"The Arts Council always strives to be a family-friendly environment that helps everyone of any age discover their talents and use them accordingly," Daves explained. "This event strives to do the same thing - we want to highlight all bakers in the county no matter their age or ability. Everyone is welcome to participate."

Daves, who moderates the Rutherford County Interacting Facebook page, said she was inspired to hold an event due to the number of people who request her suggestions for who to have bake cakes for their special occasions.

"I think this will give everyone the opportunity to see first-hand the talent we have available, as well as view their decorating abilities and flavor preferences," she said. "My hope is that this will bring business to all our local bakers while raising money for the Arts Council."

Sarah Green, owner of Sinfully Sweet Cakes & Treats, plans to take part in the event, which she has helped to organize.

"As of now, we had close to 40 bakers who had signed up to take part," Green said. "Basically, the cupcake with the most votes wins, and prize is mostly bragging rights."

The cupcakes will be judged by celebrity judges and the general public, who for $10 purchase a ballot that entitles them to taste three different flavors of cupcakes from each participating adult baker and one flavor from each child baker. Only those who purchase a ballot may taste to cast their vote, but anyone can attend.

While many may think baking cupcakes is easier than baking an entire cake, Green said that's not always the case.

"Cupcakes can get done much faster," she said. "And what makes a good cake might not make a good cupcake. Certain flavors will absorb moisture more quickly or require adjusted baking time."

Green wanted to support the event because of her daughters, who have been taking part in performances offered through the Rutherford County Arts Council for the past three years.

"They love it, and I try to help out any way I can," she said.

Those who take part in the competition will have to bring their cupcakes to the Maple Street Theater ready to go. For Green, that will mean baking, cooling and decorating - a process she repeats for orders each week that take about 48 hours.

"For the celebrity judges participants will make full size cupcakes fully decorated as they'll be judged on taste and presentation," Daves said. "For the general public, bakers will make 100 mini cupcakes for everyone purchasing ballots to sample. That means only the first 100 people through the door who purchase ballots will be able to taste and judge."

Each baker is required to bring pumpkin cupcakes as well as two signature flavors. For Green, that's a coffee cupcake.

"It has a whipped cream filling. I love my coffee," she said.