Eat cupcakes by the (two) dozen at this sweet Wichita fundraiser

If your Saturday plans include a self-induced sugar coma, you’d better act fast.

The second annual CityArts Cupcake Challenge — a bake-off that allows attendees to sample the goods — is not quite sold out but likely will be soon. A limited number of the $10 tickets are still available at CityArts, 334 N. Mead.

Last year’s event was a big success, said Sean Jones, and attendees sampled cupcakes until they were in walking sugar comas. This year, 25 cupcake artists will compete in three different categories: novice, professional and kids. Among the cupcakes that Jones already knows will be arriving: a creamy vanilla latte cupcake, an apple butter cupcake and a pistachio olive oil cupcake.

Among the professional competitors on Saturday will be Ashley Hicks, owner of the local Sweetz N Treatz Bakery, who recently appeared on a Netflix baking show called “Sugar Rush.”

Attendees will vote to award a “best of show” cupcake, and a panel of judges will choose winners in the three categories.

The event was dreamed up last year when CityArts was looking for a new, engaging fundraiser to replace a live and silent auction it used to do. Cupcakes seemed like a sweet choice, Jones said.

All proceeds from the event will support youth programming and programming to underserved populations during the school year, he said.

To get a ticket, stop by CityArts or call 316-350-3245.

This story was originally published July 31, 2018 at 1:42 PM.