Great American Bake Sale Pleases Palates, Raises Money for Charity

Locals craving sweet treats swarmed the today in downtown Rochester as the aroma of pies, chocolate and freshly baked bread wafted through the bake sale tent, perched just up the stairs from the .

According to Kristi Trevarrow, executive director of the Rochester Downtown Development Authority (DDA), about 80 residents and area businesses donated more than 400 dozen baked goods. Trevarrow said two of the booths had already sold out of their delicacies by 11 a.m., and many others were running low.

“Since this is a first-time event, we weren’t sure how it would go, but I’m overwhelmed with the turnout and the support we received,” Trevarrow said.

Along with tasty baked goods, the Great American Bake Sale also provided fun activities for the kids. There was a cupcake walk that cost participants $1 each and ran at least once every hour.

Additionally, a librarian from the was onsite reading to children as they snacked on their goodies; nearby, staff members from the helped children decorate chef's hats.

“This bake sale is a lot of fun," Rochester resident Curt Lommen said. "It’s nice that it went along with the Farmers Market.” Lommen just moved to Rochester with his family and is pleased that there are so many family-friendly activities. “My daughter had fun doing the cupcake walk.”

What made the bake sale even sweeter was the fact that all of the proceeds from the sale benefited which strives to make sure no child in America goes hungry.

“I think it’s fantastic that this is for a good cause,” Rochester resident Sarah Cantu said. “This has brought about a great sense of community.”