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At the Cabarrus County Fair Thursday, three women sat quietly at a table, brows furrowed in concentration.
“It is nutmeg?” Vivian Snyder, retired as cafeteria manager at Rocky River Elementary School, asked as she passed a loaf of bread to her fellow judges.
Judges Sarah Yates and Diane Hiatt each took a piece and chewed thoughtfully.
“It's nutmeg or cloves,” Hiatt finally declared.
With more than 100 entries in the baked goods department, the three judges – all retired Cabarrus County Schools cafeteria workers – had their hands full of breads, cakes, cookies and fudge.
After a debate over pound cakes – and some resampling – they awarded ribbons to the top three cakes.
“I feel a little sugared out,” said Hiatt, who worked as a school baker for 31 years.
Snyder sighed and laughed as they moved to the next category.
“I like chocolate, but not all at one time,” said Yates, retired after 25 years as Northwest Cabarrus High's main cook.
When the fair opened Friday, visitors could see the results of the judging and enjoy the rides, shows and food.
The fair will run through Saturday at the Cabarrus Arena & Events Center on N.C. 49 North in Concord.
Martha Brawley entered two pound cakes, canned food and needlework for judging.
“I look forward to this time of year,” said Brawley, a fair volunteer for more than 50 years. “I've got a few ribbons.”
The fair is open 1-10 p.m. today, 4-11 p.m. weekdays and 1-11 p.m. Saturday.
Admission is $7 for 12 and older, $3 for ages 6-11, $5 for 65 and older, $5 for those with a military IDs and free for 5 and younger.
But today you can get in by donating canned food: four items for each adult and two for each child.
Admission is also free Friday evening to those who present a high school football ticket stub after the game.
Highlighting the entertainment will be country artist Jake Owen, whose songs “Don't Think I Can't Love You” and “Eight Second Ride” have climbed charts. He will perform at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
Details: 704-786-7221; www.cabarruscountyfair.com.
