AppleUmpkin Pie Baking Competition — Official Rules

Overview

The AppleUmpkin Pie Baking Competition celebrates great pies made by our community. Registration is limited and first-come, first-served. Winners announced at 2:00 PM on event day.

Eligibility

Open to all ages. Individual entrants only; no team or business entries. By entering, you agree to these rules and the waiver below.

Entry Limits & Fees

  • Entry fee: $10 per pie (non-refundable except if the event is canceled).

  • Maximum one (1) pie per person. We hope to expand in the future.

Registration & Deadlines

  • Registration closes when paid entries reach capacity or by 8:00 PM ET on the October 4th 2025, whichever comes first.

  • Capacity: 20 paid entries.

  • Waitlist may open if spots free up due to no-shows or dropouts.

Pie Requirements

  • One whole standard pie (8–10 inches) presented in a disposable pan.

  • Pie must be prepared by the entrant.

  • Shelf-stable only. Pies requiring refrigeration or hot holding are not allowed (e.g., cream/custard, mousse, chiffon, icebox, meringue toppings that rely on refrigeration).

  • Bring your pie uncovered or lightly covered; no decorations that identify the baker.

  • Label the underside of the pan with your name and pie title. The top must be free of names/logos.

Ingredients & Allergens

  • You must provide an ingredient list and disclose common allergens (wheat/gluten, eggs, dairy, tree nuts, peanuts, soy). This is part of the registration.

  • No cannabis, alcohol above flavoring amounts, or any ingredient prohibited by law or health code.

Drop-Off, Check-In & Timeline (Event Day)

  • Drop-off window: 10:00–11:00 AM at the competition table, located at the Scout House in Adamstown Grove.

  • Check-in will assign your Entry ID (used for judging).

  • Judging: 11:15 AM–1:30 PM (closed to the public).

  • Awards: 2:00 PM at the main stage.
    Late arrivals (after 11:00 AM) may be disqualified without refund.

Judging Method

Blind judging by a panel selected by the Adamstown Community Days Committee. Judges’ decisions are final.

Judging Criteria (100 points total)

  • Appearance & Presentation — 15 points

  • Crust Quality (texture, bake, flavor) — 25 points

  • Filling Texture (set, moisture, structure) — 20 points

  • Flavor & Balance (aroma, seasoning, fruit quality, sweetness/acid) — 30 points

  • Creativity/Overall Impression — 10 points

Tie-breakers: highest Flavor & Balance; then highest Crust; then judges’ consensus.

Awards

Winners and an overall Grand Prize may be awarded based on entries received. Prizes are announced at 2:00 PM. You do not need to be present to win.

Dish Pick-Up

If the entrant chooses, pans and any remaining pie must be picked up after awards and no later than event close. Items left behind may be discarded.

Disqualification (examples)

  • Late check-in; non-shelf-stable pie; identifying marks; failure to provide ingredients/allergens; unsportsmanlike conduct; safety concerns determined by Organizer.

Cancellations & Refunds

If the competition or event is canceled by the Organizer, entry fees will be refunded. Otherwise, fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If the total number of 20 participants is exceeded, any entry after the 20th entrant will be refunded.

Media Use

By entering, you grant the Organizer permission to photograph/record your entry and use your name, likeness, and pie title in event marketing without additional compensation.