Not every day do local fair events catch the attention of the internet, but Linda Skeens and her incredible baked goods have certainly made a splash online.
Skeens triumphed in every baking category at the Virginia Kentucky District Fair (known as the VaKy Fair), even securing multiple placements in several categories. Remarkably, out of the 29 categories she entered, she took home 25 wins, a feat that has left many amazed.
In addition to her baking victories, Skeens also excelled in canning and non-food categories, such as embroidery and wall decor. Her cakes, pies, brownies, and breads—both sweet and savory—quickly established her as a local culinary hero, inspiring a wave of humorous memes. Some highlights include playful assertions that she was once Chuck Norris' personal chef or that she baked a ladder to rescue a kitten from a tree.
Amidst the playful banter on social media, many speculated whether she was the only contestant. However, fair spokesperson Jennifer Sturgill assured TODAY that Skeens wasn’t alone in the competition; her skills truly set her apart.
Despite her newfound internet fame, the identity of this baking sensation remained elusive, leaving many fans eager for a recipe book. That changed when Dallas’ HOT 93.3 radio host Mason Moussette took to TikTok to rally her followers in a search for her.
The internet’s sleuthing skills paid off, and soon, the real Linda Skeens was located. In her interview, she shared that this wasn’t her first rodeo—she had previously claimed 40 blue ribbons just last year.
Skeens also opened up about her personal journey, revealing that after being diagnosed with leukemia last December, cooking for her loved ones became a source of comfort during her treatment. It’s a sentiment echoed by many; cooking and baking can be incredibly therapeutic during tough times.
As psychologist Jeanne Whalen noted in a 2014 article for The Wall Street Journal, engaging in creative activities like cooking can shift our focus from stress and enhance our overall well-being.
If cooking isn’t your forte, don’t worry—there are countless other creative outlets that can provide similar solace. The key is to discover what resonates with you. For Skeens, that passion seems to lie in the kitchen, and she feels “blessed” for the experience.
As we look ahead to next year’s fair, we can’t wait to see what award-winning treats Linda Skeens will whip up next. Thanks for sharing your delightful journey with us!