🧁 Cupcakes, Confusion Community Spirit at the Fall Festival Bake Off

By The Maple Gap Gazette Staff

MAPLE GAP - Tension rose higher than a meringue at this year’s Fall Festival Bake Off, held Saturday afternoon in the town square, when a labeling mix-up left judges unsure whether they were tasting cinnamon spice or cayenne pepper.

The competition, sponsored by Petal & Vine and the Maple Gap Women’s Ministry, drew over two dozen bakers. Each brought their best pie, cake, or cobbler to compete for the coveted Golden Whisk Award.

Longtime favorite Shannon Ingles entered her “Pumpkin Spice Dream Cupcakes,” while Kelly Crenshaw arrived with a triple-layer caramel apple cake that smelled so good the volunteer security team had to be reminded it wasn’t a bribe.

Halfway through judging, confusion struck when two nearly identical cupcake trays were placed side-by-side — one labeled “Pumpkin Spice,” the other “Maple Spice Surprise.” The surprise, it turned out, was chili powder.

Witnesses reported a mixture of gasps, laughter, and one unfortunate coughing fit from Pastor Tom, who later assured everyone that “the Holy Spirit moved, but so did my sinuses.”

After the dust (and powdered sugar) settled, Lucille Cordell was crowned winner for her Sweet Potato Pecan Bars with a Twist — the twist being that she’d accidentally left out half the sugar but added an extra scoop of grace.

“This is exactly why we love Maple Gap,” said Deborah Livingston, patting Lucille on the shoulder. “Even our mistakes come out tasting like blessings.”

The festival concluded with live music, laughter, and a town-wide agreement to clearly label all chili products moving forward.