When Bachelor Santa premieres at the RiverPark Center on Saturday, local moviegoers will spot more than just familiar landmarks — they’ll also recognize some of Owensboro’s beloved bakers.
From cameo roles to behind-the-scenes guidance, several local culinary artists contributed their talents to the holiday romantic comedy, which was filmed entirely in Owensboro and produced by Goldenrod Film & Television. The red-carpet premiere will include appearances by the cast and community partners, offering a Hollywood-style celebration with a hometown twist.
WBKR’s Chad Benefield and Mary-Katherine Maddox will host a live stream of the event with multiple interviews with the bakers and the cast. That live stream can be found exclusively on the Owensboro Times Facebook page on Saturday night.
Becca Westerfield, owner of Becca Bakes, said she and her co-worker Aleah Johnson had an amazing time on set showcasing their baking and acting skills.
“We had a blast. It was so much fun,” Westerfield said. “I got to guide the actors in how to roll and cut sugar cookies properly, and even picked out the utensils for the scenes. It was important to get it right.”
She plans to attend the premiere with her husband, daughter, and other staff members.
“I’ve always loved those Hallmark-style Christmas movies — especially the ones with bakeries in them,” she said. “Now I get to be in one, and it’s just surreal.”
Johnson said the entire experience felt like something out of a dream — especially given the story’s festive setting and baking-centered plot.
“It felt really surreal to be a part of this film,” Johnson said. “To watch the love story unfold in a baking competition — something us bakers have always dreamed of — was amazing. Not only to share our talent and desire to create, but to put it on screen and be part of a Christmas movie, was even better.”
For Johnson, the moment was made even more meaningful by sharing it with someone who helped shape her craft.
“I got to share this with my best friend and boss, Becca,” she said. “She taught me everything I know, so sharing this experience with her was really special.”
Though she once dreamed of being an actress, Johnson said she never expected that dream to come full circle in her own hometown.
“I’m happy with the path I chose, but getting to be a part of something I’ve always loved — right here in Owensboro — was really fun,” she said.
She also credited the film crew for making the experience memorable.
“They really involved us in this film and made the long days almost worth it because they were all so real and fun to be around,” she said. “They even let me do the clicker thing and yell ‘action.’ That was one of my favorite parts.”
Johnson added that the experience helped spark lasting friendships within the local baking community.
“We grab dinner every once in a while and share business ideas,” she said. “We’ve really created a bond that this film helped make possible.”
Hanna Bailey, owner of Doozie Doez, said taking part in the movie was a memorable experience despite being outside her comfort zone.
“I think we all dream big, even though many dreams don’t exactly work out,” she said. “Getting to check off ‘being in a movie’ and attending its premiere from my bucket list is something I’ll never forget.”
Bailey added that she’s proud Owensboro will be featured on screen for a wide audience to see.
“Our community comes together, collaborates, and brings so much magic to this little town,” she said.
Terri Hobgood, a licensed home baker, provided real baked goods for filming — since, as she noted, the main characters weren’t bakers in real life. She and her husband also appeared as extras.
“It was fun to see how things are filmed. We were even fortunate enough to have snow while they were filming,” she said. “We’re very proud of our city, and since we love Christmas movies, it will be special to see our unique city on screen.”
For Hobgood, the experience also sparked friendships with other local bakers.
“Most people I’ve met who have a passion for baking put a lot of love into what they do — and sugar, of course,” she said.
Tiffany Duncan, of Cookies at Tiffany’s, said she was especially thankful to share the experience with her daughter, who also appeared in the film.
“It was an amazing experience. I never dreamed of being an actor or thought I would get the chance to do something like this,” she said. “Jason used my red Kitchen Aid mixer in the film, and both he and Ella used my Christmas platters. I even lent Ella one of my aprons — and had her and Jason sign it after filming.”
Duncan, who played a baker named Olivia Daniels in the film, said she’s a bit nervous for the premiere but excited to see how it all comes together.
Azlin Flener, owner of The Bee’s Knees Bakery + Goods, said what began as a simple request for local bakers quickly turned into a much bigger role. She was originally invited to help provide baked goods, but once filming began, she was cast as a judge in the movie’s baking competition, even delivering a couple of lines.
“It was truly a surreal experience,” Flener said. “I never thought my little bakery in Owensboro would be a part of a movie. It was such a unique, joyous experience.”
Flener said she also created baked goods for each round of the on-screen competition, something she called a dream opportunity.
“It’s going to be so incredible to see my creations on film,” she said. “I’m still pinching myself trying to believe it’s reality.”
She added that the film offers a chance to highlight Owensboro’s talent and charm.
“Owensboro is such a cute little town, and it’s so exciting to share it with the world,” she said. “Even more so, I’m excited that we get to showcase the truly amazing baking community we have here. These women are incredible, and all deserve the spotlight.”
The film, which features stars Jason Tobias, Ella Cannon, and Grace Patterson, includes scenes at the Cupola Club, Holiday Inn, Hampton Inn, Owensboro Convention Center, and downtown’s festive light displays. Tickets for the Saturday premiere are available via Ticketmaster, and guests are encouraged to bring a new toy to support the Christmas Wish program.
As Kristi Kilday of Goldenrod Productions put it, Bachelor Santa is “a love letter to Kentucky and Owensboro.” Thanks to local bakers, it’s one that comes frosted, festive, and fresh from the oven.
