Friends of the Pool Host 2nd Annual Pie Baking Contest

WAITSBURG – On Sunday, the Laurette McCaw Pie-oneer Fall Festival Pie Baking Contest will make its second appearance, adding to the fun of the city's historic celebration while raising funds for a good cause.

Waitsburg Friends of the Pool organized in August of 2015 and quickly devised the highly successful bake-off, which brought in nearly $1,200 last year.

Friends of the Pool president Megan Brock said that last year the group purchased sun shades and seating to improve comfort at the pool. This year they hope to improve or replace the outdated storage cubbies and provide swim scholarships and lifeguard training scholarships. Friends of the Waitsburg Pool serves under the umbrella of the Rural Youth Enrichment Services 501c3.

The contest is open to bakers of all ages, with prizes in three categories: under 12, ages 12-18, and 19 and above. Contestants will bake two identical pies; one for judging and one for sale. Health department guidelines require that pies be fruit-only, and contain no dairy or eggs in the filling. Both the filling and the crust must be homemade. Pies must be delivered to the judges table by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Pies will be judged on appearance, taste, and creativity. Ribbons will be awarded in each category, and one pie will receive the coveted "Best of Pie" award, which was won by Debra Callahan last year.

"Waitsburg Pie Expert" Jack McCaw will return as judge, joined by Paul Gregutt, who is a contributing editor for Wine Enthusiast magazine. Trevor Johnson won last year's auction and claimed the third judging seat.

Fall festival attendees will be able to purchase bites or slices of pie and whole pies will be sold in a live auction at 1 p.m. Judging will be completed prior to the end of the auction and ribbons will be placed next to winning pies before the bidding is closed.

More bakers are needed to make this year's contest a successful event, and everyone is welcome. Registration forms and pie tins may be picked up at Waitsburg City Hall. The registration deadline is Fri., Sept. 16.