Dessert Wars brings sweet competition, cash prizes to Orlando Saturday

Orlando dessert lovers can get a taste of some sweet competition Saturday as Dessert Wars takes over the Central Florida Fairgrounds.The event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 17, bringing dessert vendors together to compete for cash prizes and bragging rights.Organizers describe Dessert Wars as the largest dessert festival in America. This year’s Orlando event will award cash prizes for the first time, with $5,000 going to the first-place winner, $2,500 for second place and $1,000 for third.UCF graduate to lead judgingKristina Lavallee, the chef and cake artist behind The Cake Girl, will serve as lead judge.A graduate of UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management, Lavallee brings a local connection to the competition. Her work has been featured on TODAY, Food Network and in People, according to organizers.Event detailsWhat: Dessert WarsWhen: Saturday, Oct. 17, from 3 to 6 p.m.Where: Central Florida Fairgrounds in OrlandoCompetition prizes: $5,000 for first place, $2,500 for second and $1