$1,000 up for grabs as Port Perry Fair baking contests return

PAUL PUCKRIN President, Port Perry Agricultural Society

PORT PERRY: Amateur bakers will have the chance to earn bragging rights and a share of generous prize money, when the Port Perry Fair's popular Women's Only and Men's Only Baking Contests return, over the Labour Day weekend.

Open to bakers of all ages, both competitions offer a grand prize of $1,000 and celebrate the creativity and tradition of home baking.

The Men's Only Baking Contest will be held at noon, on Sunday, September 6th, in the Entertainment Shelter. This year's featured recipe is maple syrup pie, a classic Canadian dessert with deep roots in Eastern Canada.

Contest organizers say, entries must include maple syrup or maple sugar but bakers are encouraged to add their own creative twist, using ingredients such as: butter, eggs, sugar, cream, whipping cream, sweetened condensed milk, molasses, raisins, nuts or other flavourings. Entrants are asked to indicate whether their pie contains nuts, as the entries will be served to spectators following judging.

The winner will receive $1,000, while second- and third-place finishers will earn $4 and $3, respectively. Men of any age may enter, and previous winners are eligible to compete again, provided they have not previously won with a maple syrup pie.

Maple syrup pie, or Tarte au sirop d'érable, traces its origins to the traditional sugar pies of France and Belgium. French settlers are believed to have brought the recipe to Canada, where maple syrup eventually replaced sugar in many rural communities. In early Eastern Canada, maple trees provided one of the few dependable sources of sweetener, making maple-based desserts an enduring part of Canadian culinary heritage.

The Women's Only Baking Contest takes place at noon, on Monday, September 7th, and will challenge participants to bake an "Enriched and Flavoured" bread.

Entries must be yeast-leavened and made with an enriched dough, containing ingredients such as: eggs, butter, sugar or dairy, creating a richer, softer bread. Bakers must also include at least one additional flavouring ingredient, beyond those found in a traditional loaf. Fresh or dried fruit, nuts, chocolate and maple syrup are just a few examples, although organizers encourage participants to be imaginative.

Breads may be entered as either a loaf or buns, with brioche, challah, babka and Chelsea buns among the many possibilities.

The Women's contest also features a $1,000 first prize, with $50 awarded for second place and $25 for third. Women of any age may enter, and previous winners remain eligible to compete.

Participants are asked to submit their bread on or in a disposable, preferably biodegradable, container. Anyone wishing to have a reusable dish returned should clearly label it with their name and contact information.

For both contests, the sponsors will retain the top three entries. Remaining baked goods will be shared with fairgoers, once judging has concluded.

Those interested in participating can find complete entry rules and requirements in the 2026 Port Perry Fair website, at portperryfair.com. Whether perfecting a traditional maple syrup pie or putting a creative spin on an enriched bread, organizers hope the contests will once again showcase the exceptional baking talent found throughout the community.