The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG – On Sept. 17, pies will once again be judged and auctioned in the third annual Laurette McCaw Pie-oneer Fall Festival Pie Baking Contest during Waitsburg's annual celebration. Bake a pie and help support the pool!

This will be the third year for Friends of the Pool to host the successful bake-off contest which raises funds to help support the operations of the city pool. In 2016, funds were used to purchase sun shades and seating. The money earned from last year's bake-off was used to reimbursed lifeguards for training, to help purchase a new solar cover, and to sponsor a free Saturday family swim day, according to FOP president Trevor Johnson.

It is the participation of the community that makes the fundraiser a success. 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.

"Waitsburg Pie Expert" Jack McCaw will return as judge, along with Waitsburg Christian Church pastor Matt Wyatt and Waitsburg Presbyterian Church pastor Brett Moser.

Fall festival attendees will be able to purchase bites or slices of pie and whole pies will be sold in a live auction in the afternoon. Judging will be completed prior to 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 deadline for registration is Sat., Sept. 16.