Students from across the University of Rhode Island came competed to decorate the best cake in the Student Senate’s sixth annual Ace of Cakes competition Tuesday.
The event was held in the memorial union ballroom. Students could either register a team composed of members of an organization, or enroll as a group of friends, choosing a unique team name in the process. “There were 40 teams that registered, and about 36 showed up today to compete,” said Brittany Kraft, the Student Senate Cultural Chairwoman.
The rules of the competition were stated at the start. Competitors had 60 minutes to decorate their cakes as best they could, using a wide variety of candies and frosting, all of which were provided by Student Senate. A supply table was located at the front of the ballroom, where students would obtain whatever they wished to include in their cakes. In addition, a ‘challenge item’ was placed at each team’s table. The item each team was challenged to use creatively was two playing cards.
Members from Greek Life, Student Entertainment Committee, the Psychology Club, the Wetland Society, the Student Veteran’s Association, and URI Emergency Medical Services were all present at the event, to name a few. “Everybody loves food,” said Kraft, “and it’s a great way to bring the student body together.”
When the 60 minutes expired, it was time for the judging. The contest was judged based on three categories: best overall cake, most creative design, and best use of the challenge item. While the judges evaluated all the cakes, Student Senate supplemented the event through a showcase of student talent.
Two students sang renditions of songs on stage, and two separate duos performed a variant of the salsa dance in the center of the ballroom. The entertainment was not only a fantastic display of the talent that the URI student body has, but it was also a great way to pass the time while the cakes were being methodically judged.
Once a decision was reached, the winners were announced: Team Puppy Raisers won 1st prize for best overall, 1st prize for most creative went to URI E.M.S., and Kappa Delta took home 1st place for best usage of the challenge item. “This is our fourth year placing: winning one of the categories” said a proud representative from Team Puppy Raisers. Their cake, appropriately shaped like a young Puppy, was difficult to construct. “We had to crumble this cake, add frosting to it, and then mold it…that was tough”. Their precise and coordinated efforts certainly contributed to their victory.
All in all, this year’s Ace of Cakes was a huge success. “They all did a great job, and they’re all very creative in their own way,” said Maureen McDermott, the Memorial Union Building Director. “I’ve been doing this for a couple years now, it’s a fun event…they even get to take their cake home!” she exclaimed.
Ace of Cakes was not only a great way to bring students together, but Student Senate also collected donations for the Rhody Outpost, the emergency food pantry that supplies URI students who are in need. The 6th annual Ace of Cakes was a hit, and Student Senate can now soon begin preparations for next year’s competition.