Tanis Davis won first place and $250 in the Kiwanis Covington County Fair’s first-ever cake decorating contest.

Cakes were judged on taste; originality and creativity; use of the theme; precision of technique; and structure and support.

Davis, who said she started on her cake at 2 a.m. after finishing cakes for which she had orders, cried when she won. Her cake featured miniature animals she crafted from frosting.

The rules required that everything used be edible, and contestants found interesting ways to do that – from building structures with Rice Krispy treats to constructing “booths” from graham crackers and frosting.

Judges actually sliced and tasted the cakes.

Dianna McCart won second place and Tracy Fowler Walden placed third.

The second place winner received $150; and third place, $100.