Every decorator knows that the best ways to sharpen skills are through competitions and classes. And in Hartford, CT, the Connecticut Cake Competition will have the best of both worlds. In addition to the competition and vendor booths, you can get your fill of instruction from decorators such as Ashley Vicos and Norm Davis. Take note of the schedule below, and check www.ctcakecompetition.com for registration and class fee info.

Saturday, Feb. 26
8-10 a.m. — Norman Davis — Clematis Flower (gumpaste, soft method)
8-10 a.m. — Carol Murdock — Wedding Cake Tier with Miniatures
8-11 a.m. — B. Keith Ryder — An Introduction to Pulled Sugar
8-11 a.m. — Ashley Vicos — Quick and Custom Silicone Mold Making
10-11:30 a.m. — Instructor TBA — Kids' Class: Creative & Fun Cupcakes
10:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. — Zane Beg — Fun Fondant Animals (Animal Series I)
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Silvina Barboza — African Babies (Animal Series II)
11 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Beth Lee Spinner — Mini Class: Fun Buttercream Cupcakes 
11 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Beth Parvu — Calla Lily (gumpaste)
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — Kathy Scott — Bling! The Art of Edible Gems
11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. — Ximena Sempertegui — Tiny Toe-Tappers! Baby's Fancy Footwear
1-2 p.m. — Kathy Farner — Mini Class: Techniques in Stringwork & Lattice
1-3 p.m. — Norm Davis — Decorative Ladies' Purse
1-4 p.m. — Joelle Mahoney — "Steppin' Out" Chocolate High-Heel Pump
1:30-3 p.m. — Betty Van Norstrand — Kids' Class: Critters and Ribbon Flowers
1:30-4:30 p.m. — Vanessa Greeley — Gift Box Cake (Decorating Level I)
2-4 p.m. — Pilar Gonzalez — Beautiful Spring Flowers: Tulips & Daffodils
2-4 p.m. — Diane Paglia — Extended Fancy Borders and Garland Side Designs
3:30-5:30 p.m. — Zane Beg — Folk Art Painting

Midnight Madness
11 p.m. - 1 a.m. — Keith Ryder — Brush Embroidery on Modeling Chocolate
11 p.m. - 1 a.m. — Ashley Vicos — Fab Fondant and Glam Glitter

Sunday, Feb. 27
7-9 a.m. — Carol Murdock — Sunflower Baby
7-9 a.m. — Carolina Lara — Classic Gumpaste Roses
7-9 a.m. — Vanessa Greeley — Cupcake Decorating with Fondant