The research isn’t scientific, but Scandinavian Heritage Festival bread-baking contest chairperson Lisa Frame says bread bakers are among the happiest people.

“People who do this are always coming with a smile as they’re dropping bread off,” she says.

But the real draw of the contest, says Frame, is not necessarily for the competitors, but for bread lovers, who are welcome to sample the entries and even buy loaves of the bread.

This year they will hold a silent auction for the winning breads due to increased interest from buyers last year for particular entries. Those interested in entering the contest should bring half a loaf cut into one-inch squares for judging and sampling and at least one loaf to sell. There is $5 entry fee for the event, with the proceeds from the sales of loaves going to support prizes for the next year’s event.

The contest has five categories: white, wheat, specialty (such as orange rolls or focaccia bread), Scandinavian (which usually contains the spice cardamom), and junior (16 years old and under). Entries will be judged on appearance, texture, flavor and overall appeal. A Bosch bread mixer will be awarded to the top entry, with other prizes awarded to the top two breads in each category.

Entries should be brought to the dining hall of the Greenwood Student Center on Snow College campus on Friday from 2-3 p.m. Judging will take place at 3 p.m., with bread sales starting at 5 p.m.

The bread will also be available for tasting as part of the Little Scandinavian Dinner that night at 5 p.m.

For more information call Lisa Frame at 283-4828.