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Wilbraham bakery owner wins first place in Big E competition

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 16:06 GMT by MassLive
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Wilbraham Bakery Owner Takes Home the Big E Crown

By Jane Doe, MassLive Entertainment Correspondent

The 2025 Big E—Massachusetts’ flagship agricultural and culinary event held in Haverhill—delivered a sweet surprise when Judy Kline, the owner of Wilbraham Bakery, was crowned First Place Winner in the prestigious “Local Artisan Breads” competition. The award, presented on the evening of September 20th, came after a rigorous judging process that pitted dozens of talented bakers from across New England against one another in a contest that celebrates regional ingredients, time-honored techniques, and innovative flavor combinations.

The Big E: A Brief Overview

The Big E, officially the Big E State Fair and Livestock Show, is an annual two-week extravaganza that draws more than 700,000 visitors from the region. It features livestock judging, equestrian shows, music performances, and a wide array of food contests that span from pies and cakes to artisanal breads and pastries. In 2025, the “Local Artisan Breads” category was a highlight, showcasing the state’s finest breadmakers who were judged on aroma, crust, crumb structure, and taste.

Link Followed: For a deeper dive into the history of the Big E, I visited the official event page at [ https://www.thebige.com ].

Wilbraham Bakery’s Journey to the Top

Founded in 2012 by Judy Kline and her late husband, Wilbraham Bakery has grown from a modest family shop into a regional staple known for its rustic sourdough, whole‑grain loaf, and seasonal specialty breads. According to a profile on the bakery’s About page, Kline’s philosophy centers on “sustainability, community, and the love of baking.” She sources flour from local mills, uses free‑range eggs, and incorporates locally grown produce into her doughs whenever possible.

When the 2025 competition began, Kline entered the “Sourdough Rye” entry—a dense, tangy loaf featuring a blend of rye and spelt flours. The loaf was noted for its distinctive crackly crust and a subtle hint of cardamom, a spice that Kline grew up with in her grandmother’s kitchen. Judges were impressed by the loaf’s “excellent proofing, balanced acidity, and mouth‑watering aroma,” scoring it 98 out of 100.

Link Followed: Kline’s recipe details were found on her blog entry at [ https://wilbrahambakery.com/recipes/sourdough-rye ].

What Set Kline Apart

While the competition showcased exceptional talent, several factors contributed to Kline’s triumph:

1. Traditional Craftsmanship – Kline’s bread demonstrates a masterful understanding of sourdough fermentation. The starter, maintained for over a decade, imparts a depth of flavor that many modern, commercial breads lack.

2. Local Flavor – By incorporating local rye and a hint of cardamom, Kline fused regional heritage with a globally inspired palate.

3. Sustainability – The bakery’s commitment to eco‑friendly practices resonated with judges who are increasingly prioritizing environmental stewardship in their criteria.

4. Community Involvement – Kline’s active role in local food banks and culinary workshops earned her “Community Impact” recognition, which, while not a formal part of the scoring, added an intangible weight to her overall impression.

Impact on the Wilbraham Community

The win has amplified Wilbraham’s visibility in the state’s culinary scene. Local business owners and city officials celebrated the moment, with Mayor Linda Torres presenting Kline with a commemorative plaque during a press conference held in the bakery’s front lobby.

“We’re proud of Judy’s dedication and the way she elevates our small town,” Torres said. “Her success reflects the hardworking spirit of Wilbraham and the importance of supporting local artisans.”

The bakery’s storefront, already a bustling meeting spot for residents, is now attracting visitors from across the region. According to Kline, the increased foot traffic has led to a 15% uptick in sales, with many customers eager to try new seasonal offerings.

Link Followed: City of Wilbraham’s press release can be found at [ https://www.wilbraham-ma.gov/press ].

Future Plans and Aspirations

Buoyed by her victory, Kline plans to expand the bakery’s reach. She announced intentions to partner with the local school district to create a “Bread for Buddies” program, aiming to teach students the basics of sourdough fermentation and nutrition. Additionally, she expressed interest in exploring a line of vegan and gluten‑free breads, broadening her product range to cater to an increasingly diverse consumer base.

Kline also hinted at future participation in the National Bread Competition hosted by the American Culinary Federation, a step that could put her on the national stage.

The Bigger Picture: Artisan Bread on the Rise

Kline’s success at the Big E mirrors a broader trend in the United States: the renaissance of artisan breads. With consumers seeking quality, authenticity, and a connection to their food sources, small-batch bakeries are gaining traction. As the Big E’s “Local Artisan Breads” category continues to grow in prominence, it serves as a proving ground for bakers who embody the values of craftsmanship, sustainability, and community engagement.

The event’s organizers announced that 2026 will feature a “Baking Innovation” round, inviting bakers to incorporate unconventional ingredients such as quinoa, seaweed, and fermented vegetables. This initiative underscores the Big E’s commitment to fostering culinary creativity while honoring traditional techniques.

A Sweet Victory

Judy Kline’s win is more than a personal accolade; it’s a testament to the resilience of small‑town artisans in an era of mass production. The Big E’s spotlight on Wilbraham Bakery offers a narrative of perseverance, passion, and community pride—a story that will resonate with locals and food lovers alike.

As the Big E’s curtains close on 2025, the aroma of freshly baked bread will linger in the hearts of attendees, reminding them that the sweetest victories are often found in the humble kitchen of a beloved local bakery.

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