The Incredible Edible Book Contest returns to the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library on April 15, and all are encouraged to put on their thinking caps and oven mitts to create entries. Or just come to the event to see this celebration of books, artistry, and wit and vote on your favorite entries.
For this contest, a fundraiser for the Friends of the Poplar Bluff Public Library, contestants use edible materials to create an entry related to a book title. Entries can:
• Look like a book (such as a cake decorated to look like the book’s cover);
• Be inspired by a book (such as using food items to depict a scene or character from a book);
• Or be a pun on a book title (such as “20,000 Leeks Under the Sea” or “Anne of Green Bagels”).
Fee per entry is $5 if you register by April 13, $7 if you register the day of the event. Categories are Community/Social Club, High School Club/Class, Junior High or Middle School Club/Class, Elementary Club/Class, and Family/Individual.
Entry forms, which include more details about the contest, are available at the library’s Main Branch, 318 N. Main St., or online at poplarbluff.org.
Entries must be 90% edible, though taste will not be a factor in the judging. Entrants must provide a list of ingredients and the book or photocopy of the book cover. Family-friendly titles only. Judging will be based on cleverness, overall appearance, fun factor, and adherence to the rules.
Set up for the edible book creations will be 10-11:30 a.m. April 15 in the downstairs theater at the Main Library. Those registering the day of must do so by 10:30 a.m.
From noon to 1 p.m., the public can view the entries and vote on their favorites for $1 per vote. The entry with the most votes will earn the People’s Choice Award.
At the Awards Ceremony at 1 p.m., Category, Best of Show, and People’s Choice winners will be announced.
“We had such creative entries for the first Incredible Edible Book Contest, including depictions of The Lorax, Where the Crawdads Sing, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and Treasure Island. We are looking forward to more of the same this year,” said Joyce Whitworth, president of the board for the Friends of the Poplar Bluff Library. “Will there be another ‘Lord of the Onion Rings’ or ‘Grape Expectations’? Only A Wrinkle in Time will tell!”
Funds raised will be used to support Poplar Bluff Library programs, including reading programs, author events, and events for children, teens, and families.
“Events like the Incredible Edible Book Contest give our community the opportunity to engage with books and reading, and with the library, while raising funds for prizes and events that expand the library’s reach,” said Library Director Shannon Midyett.
“Entries can be elaborate cake creations or simple food items turned into book title puns,” Whitworth said. “The goal is to promote books, our library, and fun for the community.”