Andy McKee of Zoology Zone shows a group of children a lizard during a special show on Friday evening.
The West Virginia Cupcake Festival celebrated its tenth anniversary last weekend, marking a decade of bringing sweet treats to the valley. The event, which took place on August 22 through 24, was held at Valley Park in Hurricane.
In addition to showcasing professional cupcake bakers from around the area, the festival serves as a fundraiser for local children’s charities. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia was this year’s chosen charity, and the Cupcake Festival donated a check for $5,000 to the organization.
Thursday marked the monthly Night Market at Valley Park, which just happened to coincide with the Cupcake Festival. The Night Market featured a western theme, with fun activities such as a yeehaw contest. Cupcake vendors were on site, so visitors could get an early sampling of the delights showcased by the festival. Country artist Jake Binegar was the featured performer for the evening.
Friday evening was packed with activities, including the Cupcake Cruise-In, an educational reptile show by Zoology Zone Science Center, and a Power Wheels Derby for the children. Providing musical entertainment for the evening were Rewind the Walkman and Corduroy Brown.
The Master Vendor Cupcake Competition, which features the talents of local chefs and bakeries, was held on Friday evening. The 2024 Queen’s Choice went to Amy’s Cool Cakes and Catering of Ona. The Second Runner Up of the Master Vendor Cupcake Competition was Super Love Sweets of Culloden; First Runner Up was Beeg’s Bakes of South Charleston; and First Place was Betti’s Sweet Treats of Hurricane.
Saturday started out with the Cupcake Chase 5K in the morning, and the Pupcake and Friends pet pageant later in the day. There was a cupcake eating contest with a $100 cash reward, which was won by Jeremy Chipmuck of Wittensville, Kentucky.
The Amateur Cupcake Competition was held Saturday afternoon in the conference center. Winning Third Place in the Decorating Contest was Jessica McKnown of Calhoun County; Second Place was Victoria Summers of Charleston; and First Place was Michael Harris of Barboursville. Winning Third Place in the Best Tasting category was Stephanie Burdette, Second Place was Megan Yrttima of Winfield, and First Place was Jessica McKown of Calhoun County.
In addition to cupcake competitions, there were plenty of vendors with a plethora of merchandise for browsing, as well as food trucks. Featured performers were The In Crown, Non-Friction, Weekend Warriors, and Josh Pantry.
To commemorate the Cupcake Festival’s tenth anniversary, vendors who had participated in the festival every year since the beginning were presented with plaques. Local author Cathy Roberts and Michelle Petry of Bentley’s Cupcakes were chosen for this honor.
