Baking
Connecticut’s largest confection collection! The Durham Fair Baking Competition yields the best in culinary creativity and craftsmanship with over 500 entries fresh out of Connecticut kitchens. Treat yourself to a tour of prize winning cookies, bars, decorated cakes, pies and quick breads, all competitively created for this coveted blue ribbon bake-off! Be sure to stop by our new Durham Fair Country Kitchen with expert demonstrations, tips, techniques and traditions for making award-winning pie crusts, brownies, breads and more!
What’s going on in 2026?
- Pizza! Sure Connecticut is the Pizza Capitol but are YOU the best pizza maker in the land?
- Mystery Basket returns! Our fan favorite category inspired by Food Network’s Chopped will be one to remember.
- Year number two of the Triple Crown of Baking has us searching for a knock out Chocolate Cheesecake.
- New for 2026 – Durham Heritage Recipe. Our newest category will highlight a different recipe each year that was popular back when the Durham Fair was just getting started.
- Multiple one year only categories including: Sourdough, Molasses Cookies, Brown Butter Bars and more!
Exhibit Highlights
State Apple Pie & State Baking Contest Largest Baking Competition in Connecticut Over 500 Entries on Display
Calling All Exhibitors
Learn more about exhibiting at the Durham Fair by visiting the 2026 Exhibitor Information page. You will find a listing of categories, rules and regulations, as well as special awards available for our winners.
Become an Exhibitor
