The Oklahoma State Sugar Art Show, hosted by hall of fame sugar artist Kerry Vincent, is renowned in the cake world as a celebration of the best of the best. This is the place to see the best cakes and for your cake to be seen. Decorators prepare all year for the Grand National Wedding Cake Competition, and while the deadline for Competition entry has long passed, it's not too late to make your travel plans to experience this one-of-a-kind event, taking place in Tulsa at the Oklahoma State Fairgrounds October 2-3. Here are just a few highlights you can expect to see.

2010 Grand National Wedding Cake Competition — Mansions and Monasteries

For centuries, the exquisite architecture of mansions and monesteries have provided inspiration for modern architecture, landscape, interior and fashion designs, as well as overall wedding themes. This year, these structures will be the inspiration for the top wedding cake designs.

The theme isn't meant to be a religous statement, but rather a starting point for inspiration. Cakes are expected to be light and romantic—appropriate for a wedding theme—and the decor should include the tablescape, as well. "Dressing the bridal table is just like coordinating a wardrobe; all the complementary elements must be there," Kerry Vincent says on the OSSAS website. "The contestant's chosen theme must be echoed in the table design."

For more tips on tablescapes, be sure to read "Landscaping Your Cake," in the September issue of Baking Buyer—and don't forget to read Kerry Vincent's cover story profile while you're there!

Companion Event

Some decorators don't care to invest all the time and effort required for the Grand National competion, but they still want to showcase their talent and effort at the companion event. This event is still a competition; however, it is only the cake that is the focus, not the table ornamentation. Nine categories will be offered.

Class Surprise—Halloween's Last Hurrah!

"Cake Chicks" Cheri Elder, Bronwen Weber and Carolyn Wanke Mangold will teach and entertain with an exclusive, all-new, two-day workshop. They will show students how to construct and create the parts of the largest sugar panorama ever made.

Cost of the class is $225 per person, and space is limited.

For more information on the show and the Grand National Wedding Cake Competition, visit www.oklahomasugarartists.com.