Kansas Wheat sponsors bread sculpture and photography contests at state fair

Feeling artistic this summer? Why not enter in these wheat-tastic contests in the Kansas State Fair? The Kansas Wheat Commission sponsors family friendly competitions, including the Bread Sculpture Contest and the Kansas Wheat Photography Contest.

The Bread Sculpture Contest is perfect for those with artistic hands, young and old. We are looking for sculptures that blow the judges away with creativity and artistic merit. Go beyond just a loaf of bread and think outside the box with your sculpture. Whether you create a family of turtles, a turkey centerpiece for Thanksgiving or an American flag, your sculpture should be creative and unique when complete. Creativity and originality are the top two things judges are looking for. They are also looking for crisp details, execution, visual impact, color palate and lastly, complete instructions with photos.

Want to try out some ideas before the Kansas State Fair? Many county fairs are hosting their own bread sculpture contests that can qualify your entry automatically for the state level. For more information on if your local fair is having a bread sculpture contest, please contact your county fair coordinators.

“Bread sculptures are a beautiful way to mix art and science,” said Cindy Falk, nutrition educator for Kansas Wheat. “The options for shaping are nearly limitless, so what we’re really looking for are unique creations that showcase the versatility of bread.”

Entries must include a typed, detailed recipe including shaping instructions with step by step photos or sketches on an 8.5 x 11” sheet of paper. While there are no size restrictions, small entries, such as rolls, must be presented with six individual sculptures. All entries must be pre-entered with the Kansas State Fair by August 13th.

The Kansas Wheat Photography Contest is the perfect fit for those with a keen eye and great camera. The contest includes photographs featuring all phases of the wheat industry. These color photographs will be used to promote Kansas as America's No. 1 Wheat State. All Kansans — amateur and professional photographers —are invited to capture the story of Kansas wheat. There’s still plenty of time to capture harvest in the state, so be sure to go photo hunting in the few days!

“We want to see photos that tell the story of Kansas wheat farmers,” said Jordan Hildebrand, assistant director of communications for Kansas Wheat. “Whether it’s beautiful landscapes or farm family fun, we want to share the wheat story with consumers around the world. What better way to do that than through photographs?”

Any subject featuring wheat may be entered: seeding, storage, wheat fields, harvest, custom crews, grain trade, milling, wheat products, baking and more. We want to see how wheat impacts your life, and they say a picture is worth a thousand words, so show us what wheat means to you. We want you to tell us your story through a photograph or two.

For examples and ideas, visit http://www.homebaking.org/PDF/doughsculpting101online.pdf or http://nationalfestivalofbreads.com/recipes/bread-shaping-0.