Sweet treats amounted to more than just cake when Fort Greene uber-baker Cake Man Raven held his annual block party – complete with cash prizes, scholarships and a “cupcake” parade.
Festivities stepped off outside the Cake Man Raven Confectionery on Hanson Place, between Portland Avenue and South Oxford Street, where an anniversary program of amusements and special attractions fanned the flame of friendship during a party billed the 8th Annual Cake Man Raven Confectionery Family & Friends Appreciation Day.
The Cake Man – born Raven Patrick De’Sean Dennis, III – was on hand to fete his neighbors with a barbecue, topped off by slabs of his famous, mouthwatering cakes – creations which have lured such sweet-toothed fans as singer Academy Award-winner Morgan Freeman, who called Raven’s custom-baked, Oscar-topped beauty the best cake he had ever tasted.
The cavalcade of crowd-pleasers included a parade, featuring strolling performers and dancers, plus a motorcade of fancy cars and a marching band.
The Cake Man also served up honors by giving away $1,000 to the creator of the best cupcake costume, and $4,000 in scholarships.
“The appreciation day was generated as a way to capitalize on our anniversary as both a marketing tool, and a way to say ‘thank you’ to all of our patrons all at once,” he said.
