Saratoga County Baker Could Become Best in US-Vote Now

A Capital Region baker is stepping into the national spotlight as she competes for the top spot in a major baking contest.

Shannon Welch, who owns All Things Gluten Free in Ballston Spa, is currently taking part in a nationwide competition known as The Greatest Baker and is close to being crowned champion.

The contest website says Shannon opened her bakery in memory of her late father and as a way to share her love of baking with others. Right now, she sits in second place within her group and is pushing to keep her momentum going toward the grand prize.

Unlike many competitions, this one is not decided by celebrity judges. Winners are chosen entirely through public voting, which means the community can play a big role. Supporters can cast one free vote per day for Shannon by visiting her page on the Greatest Baker website. Since she has reached the semifinals, each vote now counts double.

Those votes are crucial because the bakers with the highest totals move on to the finals. If Shannon advances, she will be one step closer to claiming the overall title. Her voting page can be shared with friends and family so they can join in too. The winner will receive $10,000 along with a feature in Bake from Scratch magazine.

Voting remains open through Wednesday, January 28th, at 10 pm, when finalists will be announced, so time is limited. Voting is free, though people can also choose to donate for extra votes, which helps support childhood cancer research.

Supporters are encouraged to rally behind All Things Gluten Free in Ballston Spa and help Shannon earn the title of Greatest Baker in the country.

See The Capital Region's 10 Best Bagel Shops [RANKED]

For any meal of the day, the bagel is a tasty and versatile option to be the star of your meal. Heck, when it comes to a great bagel, you can even just pick them up and eat is! So if you are looking for a great spot to grab a dozen for home or to grab a great sandwich on a bagel, here are the Capital Region's 10 best bagel shops from Kinderhook to Albany to Queens bury according to local bagel experts - our listeners!

Gallery Credit: Matty Jeff