Sandra Lee reveals some little-known facts about State Fair bakers, interview
With Blue Ribbon Baking Championship debuting on Netflix, some people are discovering, or rediscovering, the world of State Fair food. From all those baking delicacies to the talents on display across the fair, the annual celebration is part of Americana. As Sandra Lee explains, there is some deeply rooted history folded into those flavorful bites.
During a recent interview about Netflix’s Blue Ribbon Baking Championship, Lee shared why now is the perfect time for this show to debut. While she thought of the concept many years ago, the food television is set become the end of summer hit.
As Lee explained, “Blue Ribbon Baking Championship would have been good no matter where or when it came out. Half of this country goes to a State Fair or a County Fair, and it is probably America's favorite pastime. It's something you look forward to doing annually. It's something I did growing up in Washington State and Wisconsin. I won the blue ribbon at the LA County Fair in 1992.”
“A lot of people may not realize that day fairs and food competitions preceded us being a nation. We became America in in 1776 and the first State Fair was in 1765 in Pennsylvania. It's older than we are.”
While this Netflix food television show has specific challenges and is captivating television, State Fair competitions, themselves, are highly competitive and sought after recognition. Even though food television stars often get all the screen time, the local, award-winning bakers can hold their own.
Lee said, “State Fair bakers are the most competitive bakers in the world in the world. One woman has 700 ribbons. When they come onto the set they are in it to win it.”
While the competition is fierce, Lee was surprised by a few elements. She said, “I wasn't surprised at how competitive they were. I wasn't surprised at some of the debacles that happened in the kitchen. The fire that was started and the glass bowls that were breaking when they were baking. I mean, it was insane. Some of those things that happened.”
“What I was surprised about is what a family-ship they all became. And, how behind the scenes, they would go help one another.”
Although the show is well-edited into a set amount of time, it is just a glimpse at the reality that these bakers faced. Lee explained, “they were baking in real time. It was 12/14/16 hour days. They were standing on their feet baking. It was all in real time. It is one of the most competitive shows. It is a completely different show than anything you've seen before.”
Excited to watch the competition unfold? All episodes of Blue Ribbon Baking Championship are available to stream on Netflix.