Let the cupcake war begin.

The event that proved very popular the first time Christian Worship Center in Manteca held it last year is having an encore on Saturday, Feb. 18. And it’s coming back even bigger and better, said Veronica Duarte who was the winner in the first competition and is coordinating this year’s return engagement.

The day’s family-oriented extravaganza will not be all about cupcakes. A host of other attractions for the whole family are scheduled as well. These include a cupcake eating contest, raffles, prizes donated by various individuals and local businesses, as well as sharing of faith testimonies by people like Duarte. The fun will begin at 10 a.m.

A food court will be available for guests. No outside food or drinks will be allowed on the church premises that day. There will be various bakeries in the community as well as cupcake shops that will be there with cupcakes available for sale.

Admission to the day’s events is free. However, there is a non-refundable fee for each entry form submitted by the contestants in the cupcake war. The deadline for entries was Feb. 4.

The panel of four judges will select the winners in the two contest categories: Best Tasting and Best Decorated cupcakes. Cash prizes plus merchandise and/or gift certificates will be awarded to the first-prize winners in each of the two categories. Merchandize prizes and certificates will be given to the runners-up.

Among the featured judges is professional chef Terrance Braxton, owner of At Home Gourmet Kitchen in Modesto. There will be a second professional chef judge plus two women from Edwards’ Cake & Candy Supply, “the only supply store in Modesto for cake products,” said Duarte whose prize as last year’s winner was a baking set.

For further details about the cupcake competition or for additional information about this church program, contact Beryl Berstine of the Christian Worship Center Women’s Ministry at cwcwomen@yahoo.com or call (209) 239-4512.

Christian Worship Center is located at 786 Button Avenue.