Simply Slavic announces annual baking contest at SMARTS in downtown Youngstown
Ready to put your skills to the test? The Simply Slavic Baking Contest is happening on June 14 from noon - 3 p.m. at SMARTS inside the Ohio One Building in downtown Youngstown.
This year’s contest coincides with the fifteenth anniversary of Simply Slavic, the Youngstown non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Slavic culture and heritage, as well as the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The annual competition invites non-professional bakers to showcase homemade Slavic baked goods and the stories behind them—from family holiday recipes to regional specialties passed down through generations.
“This contest has become one of the most meaningful ways we celebrate Slavic heritage,” said organizers. “Food connects generations, preserves memories, and tells the story of where we come from. Every recipe shared helps keep those traditions alive.”
The contest is chaired and sponsored by Marta Mazur of Krakus Polish Deli and Bakery, with three guest judges to be announced later this month.
Marta Mazur is the owner of Krakus Polish Deli and Bakery.
“Baking has always been at the center of Slavic family traditions,” Mazur said. “Many of these recipes were carried here by immigrants and preserved through generations of family gatherings and holidays. This contest celebrates not only the food itself, but the memories and heritage connected to it.”
Contest entries will be judged on: Taste (50%); Authenticity (25%); and Presentation (25%). Participants are encouraged to submit baked goods with Slavic roots, including pastries, breads, cookies, cakes, and traditional desserts representing cultures from across Eastern Europe.
The competition is open only to non-professional bakers. Entry is $5 for adults and free for participants under 18. Space is limited to 10 contestants on a first-come, first-served basis, and entries must be submitted by June 7.
Winners will be announced during the contest and recognized throughout the Simply Slavic Festival, taking place June 26–28 at the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre.
Remaining baked goods from the contest will help support future Simply Slavic cultural programming, scholarships and educational initiatives.
