# How to Participate - CAKE.PAD

### Summary

**Before the CAKE.PAD event**

* [Buy / Prepare CAKE](https://pancakeswap.finance/swap) tokens

**During the CAKE.PAD event**

* While the event is live, deposit your CAKE to receive CAKE.PAD partner tokens at <https://pancakeswap.finance/cakepad>

**After the CAKE.PAD event**

1. When the event is complete, claim your CAKE.PAD partner tokens.
2. In the case of an [overflow](#overflow-sale-method), claim your unused CAKE tokens (minus [tiered tax](https://docs.pancakeswap.finance/earn/cakepad/how-cake.pad-taxes-work-in-overflow-sales-with-example)).
3. If the CAKE.PAD event has token vesting, return throughout the vesting period to claim released tokens until the end of the vesting schedule.

***

## A) Before the CAKE.PAD event

Before you can join a CAKE.PAD event, the only thing you need to prepare is your CAKE tokens.

### Get CAKE Tokens

CAKE tokens are used to buy the tokens being offered in the CAKE.PAD event

* If your CAKE is staked in a Syrup Pool, unstake it before the CAKE.PAD event
* Else, make sure to buy some CAKE tokens in advance and hold them in your wallet

### Knowing when a CAKE.PAD Event will Start

CAKE.PAD events are **time-limited**. Use the following methods to ensure you don’t miss out:

1. Visit the CAKE.PAD event page: a **countdown timer** will be displayed with the exact timing of the upcoming CAKE.PAD event.
2. Keep a close watch on PancakeSwap’s social media: There isn’t a set time before a CAKE.PAD event goes live for the countdown to start, so check PancakeSwap’s official accounts for announcements. The countdown and updates will give you plenty of time to prepare.
3. Check the CAKE.PAD event forum post for the exact timing.

## B) During the CAKE.PAD Event

While the CAKE.PAD event is live, you will have limited time to participate. If you have prepared CAKE in your wallet, you can readily participate in the CAKE.PAD event!

### Checking if the CAKE.PAD Event is Live

On the CAKE.PAD event page, the event start countdown will switch to a countdown until the CAKE.PAD event sale ends. This shows you how much time remains to obtain the offered tokens.

In each CAKE.PAD event, participants can commit any amount of CAKE. To enhance CAKE utility, a tiered participation fee applies. For details, check the CAKE.PAD event page or proposal for the specific event you want to join.

The final amount of CAKE.PAD partner tokens you receive is determined using the **Overflow Sale Method**.

### Overflow Sale Method

1. Users can commit any amount of $CAKE to participate, no locking or staking needed
2. Allocation each user gets is proportional to their committed CAKE
3. If oversubscribed, only a portion of user’s committed CAKE is exchanged for project tokens
4. The more you commit → the more allocation you get
5. Heavily oversubscribed? Small commits may get 0
6. All unused $CAKE will be refunded to participants (subject to tax, if applicable)

### Committing CAKE to the CAKE.PAD event

1. Click the Deposit button on the CAKE.PAD event sale card

<figure><img src="https://2908774936-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MHREX7DHcljbY5IkjgJ-1972196547%2Fuploads%2F7w1BNxvmCU23HncxHQom%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=0a019dee-847a-4b07-88ea-43fba047ff16" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

2. Enter the amount of CAKE you want to commit. Any CAKE not used to buy tokens will be returned to you
3. Click **Confirm** and approve the transaction in your wallet<br>

   <figure><img src="https://2908774936-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MHREX7DHcljbY5IkjgJ-1972196547%2Fuploads%2Fhn3MT7L50XdsyeQQcERE%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=57529473-6e3e-47d9-80dd-24cb6ceba909" alt="" width="239"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
4. Your committed amount will be displayed in the sale section
5. You can add more $CAKE any time during the CAKE.PAD event

<figure><img src="https://2908774936-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MHREX7DHcljbY5IkjgJ-1972196547%2Fuploads%2F0XqSz75LFIAcogTsTfJW%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=b9a10850-d6be-4653-a61b-0e49a10695de" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Note:** If the CAKE.PAD event is oversubscribed, a **tiered participation fee** will apply. This fee is only taken from excess funds, not from the CAKE used to buy tokens.

See: [how-cake.pad-taxes-work-in-overflow-sales-with-example](https://docs.pancakeswap.finance/earn/cakepad/how-cake.pad-taxes-work-in-overflow-sales-with-example "mention")

## C) After the CAKE.PAD event

### Collecting Tokens

* When the CAKE.PAD event ends, you can collect your new tokens. Some CAKE.PAD events may have token vesting periods.
* The number of tokens you receive depends on your CAKE deposit amount relative to the total amount committed.
* Any extra CAKE not used for obtaining CAKE.PAD partner tokens will be returned (minus any applicable participation fee).

#### CAKE.PAD event **without token vesting**

Collecting your new tokens is incredibly easy. Just go back to the CAKE.PAD event page once the CAKE.PAD event is finished and click the **Claim** button under the sale window. Confirm the action with your wallet. You'll now have your new tokens. Congratulations!

#### CAKE.PAD event **with token vesting**

Some CAKE.PAD events may include vesting. Details are always shared in the proposal, and the vesting schedule is displayed on the CAKE.PAD event page.

The page will show:

* Total purchased tokens
* Tokens already released
* Tokens available to claim
* When vesting will be complete

Click the **Claim** button to collect any tokens currently available.

Throughout the vesting period, you can return to the CAKE.PAD event page at any time to claim tokens as they are released.

<figure><img src="https://2908774936-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MHREX7DHcljbY5IkjgJ-1972196547%2Fuploads%2FAzhC0HokWK8oyJhByG6p%2Fimage.png?alt=media&#x26;token=517947f7-e8ee-42b0-b74e-0c148c972a1d" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### Using Your New Tokens in Farms

Now that you've got your shiny new tokens, you can put them to work for you! You can add liquidity for your token to receive trading fees and farming.

* Read about adding liquidity [here](https://docs.pancakeswap.finance/get-started/liquidity-guide).
* Read about farming [here](https://docs.pancakeswap.finance/earn/yield-farming).


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