The Rotary Club of Barrie is thrilled to announce Oaklyn and Ivy as the winners of this year’s Apple Dumpling Baking Contest. What began as an after-school baking activity quickly turned into a heartwarming family moment, complete with gluten-free apple dumplings so Ivy could safely enjoy every bite. According to the young bakers, they were “the best thing they ever tasted,” and we hear the recipe has already earned a spot on their family’s Christmas dinner menu.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s contest. The creativity and enthusiasm shown in the submitted entries truly made judging a challenge. It was wonderful to see so many families baking together and sharing their experiences with us.
More Than a Contest: Supporting Literacy in Our Community
The Apple Dumpling Baking Contest is part of a larger literacy initiative led by the Rotary Club of Barrie. Each November, Rotary Book Day brings the joy of reading to over 1,350 Grade 2 students across the Simcoe County District School Board. Through this program, students receive a copy of Andy & Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure, a story that highlights important values such as honesty, fairness, goodwill, and teamwork.
Rotarians visit local elementary schools to read the book with students, often joined by community leaders and local celebrities. During the years when in-person visits were not possible, students still took part by watching a special reading video featuring Rotary’s mascot, Sprocket.
Baking Brings the Story Home
Since 2020, the Apple Dumpling Baking Contest has encouraged children to take the story home and turn reading into a hands-on family experience. The book conveniently includes an apple dumpling recipe at the end, inviting families to bake together and submit photos of their creations.
Each year, one participating family is selected to win a Chromebook, adding an exciting incentive while also supporting learning at home. The contest has become a joyful extension of Rotary Book Day, helping families connect literacy, creativity, and time spent together.
Thank You to Our Community
We are incredibly grateful to all the families who entered, shared their stories, and helped make this initiative such a success. Your participation helps us continue our mission of supporting literacy and strengthening community connections.
Congratulations again to Oaklyn and Ivy, and thank you to everyone who baked, shared, and celebrated with us. We cannot wait to do it all again next year.