The suspense in the room was at high pitch as the three judges first circled the table evaluating each cake for presentation. Nodding and making notes on their clipboards.

Judith Stephens, Valerie Wigham, and Dave Pearson next dug into the freshly sliced cakes. After carefully munching their way through all eight cakes, the judges adjourned to the front room to make their decision.

While the judges deliberated, the remaining cakes were sliced by the library trustees and served to the public along with coffee, punch, and tea. Before the last cake was sampled, the judges returned with their decision.

Third place ($10) was awarded to Louis Irish of Dexter, second place ($15) to Christine Collopy of Dexter and first place ($25) was given to Hazel Mitchell of Detroit.

1st place winner, Hazel's English Style Christmas Cake was judged "excellent" by the judges who raved over the brandy flavored cake with its layer of marzipan under the icing.

Prize money was awarded by Judith and Mark Stephens of the Brewster Inn of Dexter, Maine. Double prize money was contributed by the Abbott Memorial Library Trustees for the second place winner who used a recipe from the library's cookbook collection, which was part of the rules of the contest.

Other cakes were entered by Connie Hall, Judy Wilbur Craig, Tina Santos, Marjorie Goodwin, and Jane Steiner.

CLICK HERE to check pictures of the event.