Bread Fest Competition Registration

On Saturday, March 1st, the Brattleboro Food Co-op will celebrate local bread with Bread Fest. This event will feature an amateur bread baking competition judged by local baking luminaries, opportunities to speak with master bakers, and a talk and book signing by Jonathan Stevens, baker and author of The Hungry Ghost Bread Book. For additional information, visit bfc.coop/event/bread-fest/.

Bread Fest Rules and Requirements

This contest is open to amateur home bakers over the age of 18 (“amateurs”) and bakers under the age of 18 (“youth bakers”). For this competition, an “amateur” is defined as a competitor entering an item that is not produced for commercial sale, produced by an individual who is not paid to bake. A “youth baker” is defined as a competitor under the age of 18 who prepares a loaf of bread independently from start to finish.

Entry Categories

1. Adult Bakers: Sourdough (lean bread with no inclusions)
2. Adult Bakers: Yeasted bread (lean bread with no inclusions)
3. Adult Bakers: Gluten-free bread (no inclusions)
4. Youth Bakers: 
   • Sourdough (lean bread with no inclusions)
   • Yeasted Bread (lean bread with no inclusions)
   • or Gluten-free Bread (no inclusions)

Entry Requirements

1. Entries must meet the criteria for the category in which they are entered. 
2. The online registration deadline is Friday, February 28th at noon.
3. All entries must comply with food safety and hygiene standards to ensure they are safe for the judges to sample.

Bread-Specific Guidelines

1. Bread(s) must be fully baked and ready to eat upon delivery to Brattleboro Food Co-op Customer Service by 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 1st, 2025.
2. Breads that are uncooked, damaged, or deemed unsafe will not be judged.
3. Bread with inclusions (such as herbs, garlic, olives, cheese, and sweeteners) will be disqualified.
4. If your category specifies as such, bread must be lean. Lean breads typically have four ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast or Levain. 
5. No breadmaking machines.
6. Entries must not contain identifying marks revealing the baker’s identity to the judges.

Additional Information

• The event organizers will dispose of all bread after the competition.
• Judge’s feedback will be provided to entrants upon request, but it is intended solely for the guidance of the entrants and must not be made public or shared with third parties.
• The judges’ decision is final.

Photography and Videography Release

By entering the Bread Fest contest, you acknowledge entering an area where photography, audio, and video recording may occur. You consent to be interviewed, photographed, audio recorded, and/or video recorded. These recordings may be used for news coverage, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Brattleboro Food Co-op and its affiliates.

Images, photos, and/or videos may also be used to promote future Brattleboro Food Co-op events. You waive any right to inspect or approve any media taken by Brattleboro Food Co-op or its designated representatives. By entering, you are fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release of any claims related to this media usage.

Code of Conduct

Brattleboro Food Co-op is committed to providing participants with a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment. Unacceptable behavior will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
• Verbal abuse, including sexually suggestive comments or any behavior that creates a hostile or offensive environment.
• Unwelcome sexual advances or other conduct of a sexual nature.
• Repeated disruptions during presentations or failure to comply with the instructions of event staff.
• Threats of physical or professional harm, including retaliation for reporting inappropriate behavior.

If you experience or witness violations of this Code of Conduct, please contact Brattleboro Food Co-op by visiting customer service or emailing [email protected].

This Code of Conduct is subject to revision at any time and is non-negotiable.

Bread Fest Entry Form