Simply Slavic Festival 2026 | June 26-28 | Downtown Youngstown | FAQs

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Simply Slavic Baking Contest

Simply Slavic Baking Contest
Rules

Entry Requirements

  • Entry applications must be received by Monday, June 8, 2026
  • Each entry must include:
    • Completed entry form
    • Recipe description with its Slavic historical roots (75 words or less)
    • $5 non-refundable entry free (free for participants under 18)
  • Entries must be from non-professionals.  A professional is defined as anyone who is paid or has been paid to cook or bake. 
  • Only one entry per participant will be accepted. 
  • No restrictions on age, gender, or nationality.

Baked Good Requirements

  • Must be a baked item that serves multiple guests (not an individual plated dessert). 
  • Must have Slavic origins and be baked at some point during preparation. 
  • Must be presented at room temperature.
  • Items requiring freezing, refrigeration, or heating will not be accepted. 

Submission & Event Day

  • Please bring 2 of your baked goods (If you have cookies, bring 2 dozen) on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 12:00 PM to 
    SMARTS – Ohio One Building, 25 E. Boardman Street, Youngstown. Entrance is on Boardman Street.
  • Judging begins at approximately 1:00 PM. 
  • If your entry is not present at the time of judging, your spot will be forfeited. 
  • Bakers must be present during judging and remain through the announcement of winners. 
  • Some of each baked good will be used for judging; remaining portions will be sold to support future Simply Slavic events and scholarships. 

Presentation Guidelines

  • Bakers may create a small display setup (maximum 2 ft x 2 ft)
  • You may bring your own plates, linens, or decorative items. 
  • Simply Slavic and SMARTS are not responsible for loss, theft, or damage of personal items. 

Communication

  • Bakers should check their email frequently for updates. 
  • If you do not use email, notify organizers at the time of application so alternate arrangements can be made. 

Judging

  • Judges may include professional bakerse, community members, and local business leaders. 
  • Entries will be judged on
    • Taste – 50%
    • Authenticity – 25%
    • Presentation – 25%
  • Judging decisions are final. 
  • Judging sheets and comments will not be distributed. 

Prizes & Recognition

  • First, Second, and Third Place winners will be announced at the contest on June 14 by 3 PM. 
  • Winners will also be recognized each day of the Simply Slavic Festival. 
  • Winners’ names, photos, and likenesses may be used for publicity and promotional purposes. 
  • The First Place Winner will be invited to serve as a judge for the following year’s contest. 
  • Participants may only enter one baked item. 
  • Contest is limited to 10 participants, accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 
  • Bakers must be present for the entire contest, from judging through the announcement of winners. 
  • No baked goods requiring freezing, refrigeration, or heating will be accepted. 
  • Entries must be presented at room temperature. 
  • Simply Slavic volunteers, event sponsors, and affiliated companies are not responsible for:
    • Inaccuracies in submitted information 
    • Technical or human errors in processing entries
    • Lost, late, misdirected, damaged, or postage-due mail or email
    • Internet, computer or phone malfunctions
  • Entries and submitted materials become the property of Simply Slavic and will not be returned. 
  • Participant information may be used for Simply Slavic’s internal purposes and added to their database (not shared with third parties). 
  • Simply Slavic reserves the right to:
    • Modify or cancel any portion of the contest
    • Disqualify entrants who fail to comply with rules or attempt to circumvent them
  • By entering, participants agree to:
    • Be bound by the judges’ decisions
    • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
    • Accept all conditions and requirements associated with receiving a prize
  • Entrants release and hold harmless Simply Slavic volunteers, sponsors, affiliates, and representatives from any liability related to participation or prize acceptance. 
By submitting an entry form to participate as a contestant in the Simply Slavic Baking Contest, you agree to the terms and contest rules of the Simply Slavic Baking Contest. And that you are NOT a professional baker. Please send a $5 non-refundable entry fee check made payable to “Simply Slavic” to: Slavic Baking Contest c/o Marta Mazur 7050 Market St. #108 Boardman OH 44512 You can also send your registration fee to Venmo @Marta-Mazur-3 For questions or more information, please call Marta Mazur at 330-261-4263 or email bakingcontest@simplyslavic.org

Entry Form