Yes, Tanis .... it is a great deal of fu

n - to us - any free trip is fun! And, of course, Bake Offs and other cook-offs are usually held at nice hotels - (usually more upscale than WE stay at when we're paying!) and besides the cooking -- and awards -- there are great dinners, trips to places that are BIG in the city whre the cook-off is held.... i.e. in PHoenix, we were bused to an afternoon rodeo, in Atlanta - an outting at Stone Mountain; in New Orleans one of the dinners was held in the private dining room up high in the Super Dome; in San Diego - a big day at Sea World with a special dinner there; at Disney World - free passes to DW, etc. But you ARE on a schedule ...orientation, meals at certain times, buses at certain times -- and of course, cooking/baking at a certain time! However, it is lots and lots of fun .... whether its the Pillsbury Bake Off or one of the other big contests. Granted, Pillsbury has changed a lot (recipe-wise) -- all these prepared foods, and 30 minutes for this, etc. -- but it's still very special! One of the highlights of these cook-offs is the wonderful people you meet. We have made some great friends who are, after all these years, as close as family. Of course, there is always the hope that one will win some of the extra $$$ -- but having a free trip (Pillsbury is a trip for 1 but for a fee - your guest can accompany you, share your room, activities, dinners, etc.) is like a mini-vacation and often, if its someplace we enjoy - we will extend it at our expense. After all the air for the finalsit has been paid etc. As it stands now - the trip, etc. is not taxable on your income tax as you had to be thre and compete .... so that is nice! Whereas some of the sweepstakes trips are taxable. Ouch! Try it - you might like it, Tanis!