Friday, May 31 is the deadline to enter the baking competitions at the California State Fair. For contest details visit the contest section of www.bigfun.org or call the fair's entry office at 916-263-3146. The California State Fair runs July 12 through 28. Check out the details below on two of the big national contests available to enter this year. Fleischmann’s Yeast - Best Baking Contest: Contest Judging – July 25 at 11:30 am Roll up your sleeves and roll out some dough for the “Best Baking Contest.” The contest helps a good cause: for each entry nationwide (between July and October, 2013) ACH Food Companies will contribute $10 to the No Kid Hungry Campaign (up to $25,000) on behalf of contestants and its Fleischmann’s Yeast brand. Bake your best recipe using any type of Fleischmann's Yeast, an essential ingredient for the country's best home-bakers. Prizes of $125, $50 and $25 await the top three winners in the 1st Category. Think breads, coffee cakes and other baked goods; anything goes…from braids, baguettes and breadsticks, to flavorful focaccia, doughnuts or coffee cake. The 2nd Category awards a $125 prize for the Best “Dessert Pizza” with a home-made crust. Judging is based on flavor, creativity, texture, appearance and ease of preparation. Ghirardelli Chocolate Championship: Contest Judging – July 25 at 4 pm Using premium Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips (and as much additional Ghirardelli baking chocolate as you like), create any type of bite-size delicacy to make you a big hit at the fair. First and second place finishers win $150 and $50 each. Plus, the top three winners and a random contestant each take home a Ghirardelli gift basket. Judging is based on appearance, taste, creativity and ease of preparation.