Cupcake Wars

Food Network was not the only one celebrating Halloween with cupcakes. JMU’s University Program Board hosted its second annual “Cupcake Wars” on October 26th in Taylor Down Under.

Students lined up to register for the cupcake decorating contests and sophomore Emily McGlone expressed her anticipation. “I love to bake, so this looks really exciting. I like the hands-on experience and I’m looking forward to interacting with my friends in a fun and creative environment."

Technology and Design’s graphic designer, Hannah England, was one of many to line up at one of the four long rows of tables covered in cupcakes—provided by dining services—marshmallows, wafers, bags of colored icing, purple and gold sprinkles, gummy bears, pretzels, cookies, red hots, and other fun toppings. “I’m just gonna pull something out of a hat,” England admitted. “This will be an adventure.”

The four categories students could choose to participate in were JMU, Freestyle, Halloween, and the 90’s. Four groups of cupcake decorators were allotted per table and each round was timed, including a Halloween designated “flash round” with only six minutes to decorate the cupcakes. The three judges who participated were Josie Ellie, a JMU graduate, and Cocolicious Cupcake storeowners, Courtney and Joe Pedigo.

For each round of decorating, the winner won a treat bag with special coupons for all of the event’s sponsors: Kline’s Dairy Bar, University Outpost, Jimmy John’s, Campus Cookies, Cici’s Pizza, O’Charleys, Smoothie King, McAlister’s, and Chocolate Occasions.

“We felt an event like this really brought the JMU community together in a creative way,” said Natalie Hamlin, UPB’s Public Relations Director. “It lets everyone utilize their skills in a fun environment that ends with a tasty and beautiful product.”

For more information on exciting upcoming events, be sure to check out the University Unions calendar at: http://info.jmu.edu/universityunions/calendar.php