Vote for a "Wild" Cake: Cake-Decorating Contest at Zoological Society's 100th Birthday Party

Swans made with spun sugar. Elephants concocted out of frosting. Chocolate ganache gorillas. These are just some of the sweet creations you might spot at a cake-decorating contest hosted by the Zoological Society of Milwaukee (ZSM) at its Centennial Celebration Kickoff, sponsored by Tri City National Bank. Zoo-themed cakes submitted by Milwaukee-area bakeries will be featured at the event on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010, at the Milwaukee County Zoo.

The public can join guest judges--including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s food editor, Nancy Stohs, and Wisconsin Foodie host Kyle Cherek-- in voting for the most creative cake. Watch live decorating by bakers from Cakes While U Wait. Enjoy free samples of a sheet cake, as well as free coffee, hot chocolate and popcorn (while supplies last), as you browse the entries.

This event also features Old World Wisconsin historical interpreters dressed in 1910 garb, a live barbershop quartet, games and crafts, an old-fashioned candy stand, and a gallery of historical ZSM photos and news clippings. Please see the event summary below.

Cakes are donated by Cake & Bake, Cakes While U Wait, Eat Cake, The Extra Special Touch Bakery, Grebe’s Bakery, Make Cake Milwaukee, Regina’s Bay Bakery, Kalahari Waterpark Resort, O&H Danish Bakery and Shully’s Cuisine & Events.

What: Cake-decorating contest at the Zoological Society of Milwaukee’s Centennial Celebration Kickoff, sponsored by Tri City National Bank. Join guest judges in voting for the most creative animal-themed cake.

Where: Milwaukee County Zoo, 10001 W. Blue Mound Rd., Milwaukee, in the U.S. Bank Gathering Place & Peck Welcome Center.

When: Saturday, January 9, 2010, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Details: Event features a cake-decorating competition with animal-themed cakes submitted by Milwaukee-area bakeries. The day also includes costumed Old World Wisconsin historical interpreters, a live barbershop quartet, old-time crafts and games, and a gallery of retro ZSM photos and news stories.

How much: The event is free and open to the public, and includes free samples of sheet cake, as well as free coffee, hot chocolate and popcorn (while supplies last). Regular Zoo admission and parking fees apply. Zoo Pass holders always receive free Zoo admission, and Zoo Pass Plus holders receive free parking per one car per visit.

Why: In 1910, the ZSM began as a “friends” group that helped the former Washington Park Zoo acquire animals. Today we’re carrying on the founders’ mission to conserve wildlife, to educate people about animals, and to support the Milwaukee County Zoo.