Within the past couple of fair seasons, two local women have brought some rather sweet attention to Greene County. One earned first place at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show while representing Jacktown Fair with her chocolate cake, and the other claimed second place at the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show to represent the Greene County Fair in the same competition.
Even though their competitive journeys took place two years apart, both women demonstrated the talent and dedication found in Greene County’s fair community.
Lainey Duncan went on to earn her state blue ribbon after winning the chocolate cake baking contest at the Jacktown Fair. When asked what it was like to represent Jacktown at the Farm Show, Duncan said, “Being able to represent Jacktown on a bigger stage was an achievement in and of itself, and winning was even better. I was excited to even just be there, but placing made it all the better.”
Angel Coneybeer, who earned second place in the chocolate cake baking contest in 2024, shared the same sentiment when it came to representing the Greene County Fair at Farm Show. “It was nice to be able to represent the area. I had competed in these contests before and, unfortunately, didn’t place those times. I wasn’t exactly expecting to make it all the way to the state contest. Being able to earn the second-place title was extremely worth it.”
Although both women achieved great success, there were challenges they each faced on their competitive journeys. “Dealing with the change in humidity was probably my biggest challenge at the state contest. The humidity is going to be different when you’re baking in July as opposed to when you’re baking in January, so you really just have to roll with the punches and remake something if it doesn’t come out the right consistency. Patience is key,” stated Duncan.
“The year I went to the Farm Show, we had really bad weather with a snowstorm, so we couldn’t leave the venue until after the placings were announced. Keeping my 4-year-old at the time occupied while we were there in bad weather was probably my biggest challenge,” recalled Coneybeer.
Despite the obstacles they encountered, both women agree that preparation and persistence are essential ingredients for success. Duncan emphasized the importance of practice and paying attention to details, while Coneybeer noted that experience helped build her confidence over the years.
Both encouraged aspiring bakers not to be intimidated by competition and to give local fair contests a try. Whether competing for the first time or a returning veteran, they believe the experience is rewarding and offers an opportunity to showcase local talent on a larger stage. Their accomplishments serve as a reminder that dedication, patience, and a passion for baking can take competitors from county fairgrounds all the way to the Pennsylvania Farm Show stage.
