'Harry Potter' Cake Competition

Their chosen arena is more Hospitality than Hogwarts, but a baker's dozen of Penn College students proved themselves wizards all the same in designing cakes inspired by the Harry Potter books and movies. After being judged in the sixth annual

Judged as "Best of Show" was this impressive entry by Katrina M. Snelgrove, of Winchester, Va.

Terri A. Smith, of Hatfield, captured the blue ribbon with her multi-tiered accomplishment.

Harry himself makes an appearance, with his Gryffindor colors as a backdrop, on this second-place creation of Robin D. Bingham, of Lewisburg.

The Hogwarts Express train travels along the handiwork of Brittany M. DeLousia, of Brackney, who placed third.

Honorable mention went to Bryan A. Sharp, of Souderton.

Three School of Hospitality freshmen, eagerly awaiting the same cake-crafting opportunity, view their fellow students' labors. From left are Megan R. Larkin, a baking and pastry arts major from Ridley Park; Katelyn M. Rusnak, culinary arts technology, Coraopolis; and Alisha M. Howell, also baking and pastry arts, from Waymart.

Competitors are acknowledged in the PDC's Mountain Laurel Room.

Creatures galore inhabit the work of Amy J. Barendt, of West Chester.

The smiles are contagious, thanks to the whimsy of Kacy L. Charlesworth, of Mar Lin.

An intimidating basilisk winds its way through this entry, submitted by Jessica L. Ireland, of Port Carbon.

Familiar fixtures from the J.K. Rowling books are cataloged by Courtney J. Kayser, of Bloomsburg.

Hogwarts' magical "sorting hat" joins other trappings atop a suitcase, playfully fashioned by Heather N. Ferguson, of Northumberland. Her cake won the People's Choice award, chosen through charitable contributions by patrons; the money will be donated to the Williamsport YWCA’s Liberty House.

Bespectacled and holding his wand, Harry sits front and center in the artistry of Ashley N. McFalls, of Ephrata.

"Victory" and "friendship" are among the virtues observed by Antonia Bernal Castaneda, of Avondale.

Catherine E. Zimmerman, Lancaster, weaves some towering magic of her own.

Enjoying their difficult task are, from left, judges Penn College alumna Jennifer Eckert; Kim Morrison, who has won multiple national honors for her wedding cakes; and Tammie Holsinger, who owns a party-supply store and conducts her own cake competitions.