Pie Baking Champ to be Decided at Topsfield Fair

Got a great pie? Pie lovers to take part in the Topsfield Fair pie baking contest. The winner will be eligible for a $5,000 national grand prize from the makers of Pillsbury Pie Crusts.

To enter the 2011 Pillsbury Pie Baking Championship simply make your best pie, whether it is with meringue, cream, custard or fruit and feature any flavor or creative combination of ingredients. Entries will be judged at the fair based on taste, appearance, creativity, ease of preparation and general appeal. 

First place wins a $200 cash prize and their recipe advances to national judging for the $5,000 grand prize. Second place receives $100 and the third place winner receives $50. All winners also receive a ribbon, award certificate, and celebratory apron.

The entry form deadline is Sunday, Oct. 2. Pies must be delivered on Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 4-6 p.m.  Judging will take place from 7-9 p.m., with winners announced at the end of the judging period.

The Pillsbury Test Kitchens select the grand prize winning pie after the 2011 fair season. They will also choose a group of finalist pies to post on the Pillsbury website in December. The pie with the most online votes will win the "Fan Favorite Pie Award" and a year’s supply of pie crusts.   

Pie contest entrants must be 18 years of age or older to participate. For entry information and contest details, contact the Topsfield Fair entry office at 978-887-5000 or visit the contest section of the fair’s website.