By Kirstie Runion, Bluffton University Icon Intern

Peanut cream, hickory nut, chocolate, pecan, coconut cream-the list of entries in this year's Maple Crest Pie Baking Contest can make anyone's mouth water.

"Who doesn't want a warm pie after a winter like this?" said Julie Stratton, director of marketing and public relations at Maple Crest.

For the fifth time, Maple Crest's contest is expecting 30-40 recipes for anyone to come sample and bid on. Before the pie palooza takes place though, everyone is welcome to come enjoy a spaghetti dinner for $6 a plate.

While everyone enjoys dinner, the judges will be busy with their taste buds. Each category-fruit, nut, and cream-will have its own experienced judges including professional caterers, bakers, and culinary chefs.

Now the community will have their turn in tasting the pies and choosing which ones to bid on. With the starting bid at $10, it has gone up to $25!

"Who doesn't like pie?" said Stratton, who is entering a peanut cream pie of her own.

"The silent auction is fun to watch. There is some good natured, heated bidding for favorite pies, all for a good cause," she said.

The money raised will go to projects at Maple Crest to improve life for the residents, who enjoy events like this.

"It brings the community into our building and they look forward to socializing. It's a fun activity, for everyone involved," Stratton said.

It is especially fun for those lucky few who go home with a pie or cash prize.

After the auction, the judges will announce who they picked to be an overall winner ($100 prize) and three runner-up winners in each category ($50 to first place, $25 to second, and $15 to third).

"There's a good chance of anyone going home with cash in pocket or pie in hand," Stratton said.

So whether you need cash, pie or an early Valentine's date, come out to Maple Crest Senior Living Village on Friday, Feb. 11, at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy the fun.

Specific details of the evening

What: Maple Crest Senior Living Village, just off Augsburger Road, spaghetti supper and pie contest

When: Friday, Feb. 11.

Time: The dinner and bidding begins at 4:30 and goes until 6:30 p.m.

The public is invited to a spaghetti dinner with breadsticks, salad and a beverage. Then you can sample pies that have been submitted to the pie contest. Pick out the kind you like and then join in the silent auction to win the pie.