How to Win Bread Contests at the Maricopa County Fair

Each April the Arizona State Fairgrounds in Phoenix is home to the Maricopa County Fair. The fair features exhibitions of livestock, arts, entertainment and competitions. In order to win a bread contest at the Maricopa County Fair, you must enter the baking division of the non-livestock competition. You can access the application form for competitions on the Maricopa County Fair website in the January or February prior to that year's fair (see References).

• 1

  Visit the Maricopa County Fair website (see References).

• 2

  Place your cursor over the words "Competitive Exhibits" on the left side menu. Three choices will come up in yellow. Select "Online Exhibitors Handbook" by clicking it with your mouse. If you are directed to a page that reads "Please check back for complete entry details," it means that the Online Exhibitors Handbook is not yet available for the following year's fair. Check back in January or February when the handbook will most likely be posted to the website.

• 3

  Find the division that you need to enter to participate in a bread-baking contest. The exact names of the divisions vary slightly year to year, but you will be looking for an event that features bread baking. If you do not see a category for bread baking in the particular year in which you want to participate, contact Carrie Wimer, Competitive Exhibits & Special Programs coordinator, at 602-252-0717 ex. 404. You can ask for a bread-baking competition to be added to the year's program.

• 4

  Print an entry form and fill out all of the required personal information. When you have filled out the form, send the form to the following address:

  Maricopa County Fair

  1826 W. McDowell Road

  Phoenix, AZ 85007

• 5

  Practice perfecting your best bread recipe. Because there is no way to absolutely ensure a competition victory, the best chance you have is to improve your recipe so that you have a better chance at winning the blue ribbon.