In the 1950s, the Union County 4-H held Bread Baking and Public Speaking contests at local schools throughout the county. Members of the Union County Home Demonstration Clubs volunteered as judges. I’ve had the pleasure of judging these contests many times, often sharing a few laughs along the way.

One year, while judging a bread baking contest at a local elementary school, I recognized a McDonald’s biscuit when I saw one. Later that day, after discovering the young man's identity and mentioning it to him, he asked, “How did you know?”

This past spring, public speaking brought more laughter when 4-H member Presley Lay shared a story about her chickens pecking at her painted toenails. She also won a photo contest featuring that same chicken, which I later used as inspiration for a mural at the Extension Office. That chicken has since gained fame by appearing on a magazine cover.

In 1951, winners of the contests received scholarships to 4-H Camp in Greenville, Tennessee. Over the years, the categories have evolved, including biscuits, cornbread, yeast breads, muffins, cookies, rolls, bar cookies, and cakes.

There is even a Pie Baking Contest open to anyone interested in participating. Last year's event was sponsored by local realtor Tammie Hill.