Edible Art Apple Pie Baking Contest hosted by America 250 in Bluffton

MEDIA RELEASE__If you love baking sweets and apple pies are one of your favorite desserts, then you should find your best recipe and participate in the America 250 in Bluffton Apple Pie Baking Contest on Saturday, September 26 (also Bluffton Fall Festival).

Showcase your pie-baking skills and creativity in a fun and delicious way! Contestants need to submit an entry application, bring their best homemade pie and present it to a panel of judges for evaluation. The criteria for judging include Appearance, Crust, Filling, and Overall Flavor/Taste.

APPLICATION
Submit an application with this online form and bring one homemade apple pie to the 1861 Wine Lounge between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026.  Judging begins at 11:00 a.m. 

Printed copies of the rules and registration form will be available at the 1861 Wine Lounge as well.  

RULES
1) The Contest is open to anyone wishing to bake an APPLE PIE to be judged.  No crumbles, cobblers, crisps, Bettys or pan dowdys allowed.

2) Pie must be checked in at the 1861 Wine Lounge by 10:30 a.m. on contest day (09/26/26). Late pies will not be accepted. 

3) Pies must be presented for judging in 9” disposable tin only, as pans will not be returned. Please do not write your name on the pie tin. Your pie will be assigned a number at registration, which allows anonymity during the judging.

4) Crust and filling must be made from scratch. No store-bought crust, dough, or canned fillings should be used.

5) The pie should be made with a bottom crust (top crust, lattice, or crumble streusel are optional).

6) No other fruits may be added (juices OK). 

7) No refrigeration or heating source will be provided at the judging venue. 

8) The finished pie cannot contain raw/uncooked eggs (white or yolks). Eggs must reach 160 degrees F to be considered cooked. 

9) Pies will be scored on Appearance, Crust, Filling and Overall Flavor/Taste. 

10) The top three winners will receive prizes. 

11) Following the judging and awarding of prizes, the remainder of the pies will be sold for $3.00/slice to the crowd.  All proceeds will go to the “America 250 in Bluffton” fundraising goal. 

Judging:

Judges will not know the identity of the pie baker.

Judging begins at 11:00a.m. with prizes announced following the judging of all entries.

Judges will independently assign each pie a score without consultation. 

In the case of a tie, the pie with the higher score in the Overall Flavor/Taste category will be the tiebreaker.

Judging Criteria

• Appearance: 10%,  Crust 20%,  Filling 20%, Overall Favor/Taste 50% = TOTAL 100%

Appearance – 10%
After Slice – a single slice unveils the looks and consistency of the filling and crust. Pies should have generous, well-distributed fruit as well as good color and definition.

Crust – 20%
Pastry crusts should be flaky and delicate, but not fall apart too easily. They should melt in your mouth with a mild, pleasant taste that complements the filling. They should be a light golden color, baked throughout, not soggy or doughy, and an even thickness across the side and bottom. The crimp should seal thoroughly all the way around the pie.

Filling – 20%

Fillings should have a nice aroma, with pleasant and uniform flavors.  All ingredients taste fresh and are well balanced.  A complimentary use of spices and seasonings that is not overpowering.  

Overall Flavor/Taste – 50%
This is the judges’ final chance to rate the pie overall. What makes a good pie? – A pie which has an appealing look and color, matches the advertised flavor with a nice aftertaste.  Fruit used in quality pies should be well defined; good size, evenly distributed, and have a firm, but not overly crisp, texture.

PRIZES
The top three pies will be awarded prizes:

First place will receive $100.00 and an “America 250 in Bluffton” t-shirt.

Second place will receive $50.00 and an “America 250 in Bluffton” t-shirt.

Third place will receive $25.00 and an “America 250 in Bluffton” t-shirt.

Spectators and family members are welcome to observe and show support to the contestants…and, following judging and awarding prizes, purchase remaining pie slices to raise money for the “America 250 in Bluffton” fundraising goal.