Top Bakers Shine at Williston Fair Pie Contest — Full Winners List

Upper Missouri Valley Fair Hosts Annual Pie Baking Contest

The Upper Missouri Valley Fair Association held its Pie Baking Contest on Wednesday, June 25.

Tasting Duties: My Second Year as Judge

This was my second year as a judge thanks to Cousin Earl, who got me in the first time. And yes, I  begged event organizer Lavina Domagala to bring me back.

It was fun judging alongside Earl, Steve Slocum, and Nadine Haverlock. We sampled 34 pies in just over three hours! And honestly, you can't eat an entire piece of pie, you have to pace yourself.

I usually go for a minimum of three bites per piece: one with everything together, one of just the filling, and one of the crust alone. And if the pie is really good? I'm definitely taking a few extra bites.

Judging Pies Isn’t Easy, But Someone Has to Do It

After tasting that many pies, we were all ready for a nap. I forgot how full and tired you get judging a pie contest. It’s basically summer’s version of Thanksgiving.

A Savory Surprise

This year included a first ever savory pie entry: a chicken pot pie! The rules don’t specify fruit, so we gave it its own category. It was a delicious addition, and we hope to see more savory or entrée pies next year.

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2025 Winners Announced

The contest is open to both youth and adults. Pies are judged on appearance, filling, crust, and flavor. We score pies from 1 to 10 in each category.

Adult Pastry Crust

$500 – 1st Place - Abrianna Stalach, Dutch Apple Pie
$200 – 2nd Place - Linda Alton, Blueberry Cream
$100 – 3rd Place - Marcy King, Rhubarb

Adult Cracker/Crumb Crust

$100 – 1st Place - Jadyn Frost, Caramel Cream Pie
$50 – 2nd Place - Linda Alton, Peanut Butter Cream

Savory/Entrée Category

$300 - Eliza Groberg, Chicken Pot Pie

Youth Pastry Crust

$250 – 1st Place - Cabri Geltel, Peach Pie
$100 – 2nd Place - Archer Geltel, Blueberry Lemon
$75 – 3rd Place - Henry Hymas, Banana Cream

Youth Cracker/Crumb Crust

$100 – 1st Place - Kinlea Hodgkiss & Blare Borseth, Nutella
$50 – 2nd Place - Nevaeh Barton, Coconut Rhubarb
$25 – 3rd Place - Lacy Oyloe, Southern Possum

Everyone Gets a Slice of the Pie

Every pie from the contest will be sold by the slice at the 4-H Pop Shoppe, located in the Multi-Purpose Building. That way, everyone gets a chance to enjoy them.

(Read More: Honoring Heroes: Williston's New Patriot Gate Takes Shape)