Seven-year-old Allen Gage made history as the youngest winner at the State Fair of Texas’ Battle for the Blue Ribbons. Since his recent win, we got the chance to catch up with the first grader as he prepares for the State Fair’s Best of Show-Down on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024.

How did you learn to bake? What inspired you to make a blueberry pie?

I learned to bake from my mom and grandma. Before entering the contest for pie baking, I had only baked cookies, cakes, and cupcakes. when my grandma asked if I wanted to enter the Kaufman County Fair, she named off all the different desserts I could enter, and I told her that I wanted to try a pie.

Then my grandma asked me what kind of pie, and she started naming all the different ones and I told her blueberry, I chose blueberry because I like to eat blueberries blueberries are delicious. so adorable After my win at the Kaufman County Fair, my grandma saw an advertisement on Facebook about the state fair having a pie competition. My grandma asked if I wanted to compete and I said sure.

Who are your favorite bakers and chefs who inspire you?

My mom and grandma.

How did you feel when you found out you won the Blue Ribbon rand prize?

I was really happy and excited. I knew I had the best pie in town.

How are you preparing for the next round in October as a finalist?

I am working hard on painting and weaving the crust

What's the best advice you can give other kids who want to bake and compete?

Follow directions and don’t forget it in the oven. Remember how to lay the pieces to the crust top (the latticework).

Best of Show-Down

We are excited to hear that Allen is perfecting his recipes and can't wait to see him compete. One competitor from each of the three contests will be awarded a Best of Show ribbon, allowing them to advance to a head-to-head battle for the Best of Show-Down grand prize of $25. To learn more about this particular tournament, go to BigTex.com/Battle. Good luck Allen!