WHAT'S POPPING 2026

Pop Off Competition

Competition Categories

Choose from five themed categories and enter an individual cake pop ($25/entry) or a set of 4–12 pops ($75/entry) to be featured in our cake pop gallery and compete for prizes. There will be $100s of prizes to win!

01 Once Upon a Pop

Number of pops: Submit 1 pop
Price: $25 per entry

Design description: Storybook-inspired cake pops filled with castles, crowns, fairytale magic, and whimsical details.

02 Animal Kingdom

Number of pops: Submit 1 pop
Price: $25 per entry

Design description: Pops inspired by animals and creatures big and small, from jungle favorites to pets and wild beasts.

03 Snack Attack

Number of pops: Submit 1 pop
Price: $25 per entry

Design description: Food-inspired pops that look like real meals, snacks, or tasty treats. The more realistic or clever, the better!

04 Daisy Makes #popperflip

Number of pops: Submit 2 pops

1 pop in the original Daisy Makes shape (basic, for comparison only)
1 pop flipped/creatively redesigned

Price: $25 per entry

Design description: Show your creativity by transforming a Daisy Makes shape into something totally unexpected while showing the original side-by-side.

05 Pop Pack

Number of pops: Submit a cohesive set of 4–12 pops
Price: $75 per entry

Design description: A themed collection that tells a story or sticks to a clear concept — perfect for showcasing style, color coordination, and full-set presentation.

Competition Rules

Entry Limits & Fees

Competitors may submit as many entries as they’d like, in as many categories as they’d like, as long as the entry fee is paid for each submission.

Fees: $25 per single/#popperflip entry and $75 per Pop Pack (4–12 pops)

Original Work

All entries must be the competitor’s own original work, created specifically for this competition.

Please do not submit designs that are copied from a cake pop design that already exists or has been shared online prior to the event. Inspiration is totally fine—just make it your own!

Setup & Check-In

Competitors must check in at the designated time to set up displays.

All cake pops and displays must be fully assembled and ready for judging before the competition begins. There will be no space to create or assemble these at the show.

Each submission will be assigned a number for judging, and the competitor’s name will be written on the back of the card to keep judging anonymous.

Display Rules

Single Pop and #popperflip Entries (1-2 Pops)

Each entry must fit within a 3” x 3” footprint (think of a sticky note as your max space).
Competitors may bring their own display/stand, as long as it fits within the space.
A standard single (or duo for #popperflips) stand will be available if needed.

Pop Pack Entries (4–12 Pops)

The entire display must fit within a 12” x 12” footprint (think of a standard sheet of scrapbooking paper as your max space).
Competitors may bring their own display/stand, as long as it fits within the space.
A dozen stand will be available if needed.

Materials & Safety

Cake Pops: Entries must be almost entirely edible. The cake pop itself must be made of cake, with allowance for the stick and minimal non-edible decorative elements.

Displays: Non-edible props are allowed in all categories, as long as they remain within the specified display footprint.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be judged on:

Creativity
Execution/skill
Adherence to theme
Overall presentation

Final Round

The top finalists (one from each category) will be chosen by popular vote.
From these finalists, our Keynote Speaker will select the Top Three Winners, including the Grand Prize Winner.
The Judge’s decision is final.

Ownership of Entries

Entries remain the property of the competitor and may be taken home after judging. Event organizers may photograph entries for promotional use.

Conduct

Competitors are expected to show good sportsmanship and community spirit. Any inappropriate behavior may result in disqualification.