Pie Regards

After listening to contestant’s feedback from last year’s inaugural Pie Baking Contest, 2014 brought great improvements that allowed a smooth contest and collaborative approach.

People who live or work in Fridley, Columbia Heights, Blaine, Coon Rapids and Spring Lake Park were eligible to enter into Fridley 49ers second annual Pie Baking Contest in any of three categories; Fruit, Cream and Original/Creative, with a cap of 15 per category.

All judging was managed by Baker’s Square with a strict point system for all aspects of the pie, and each pie was sliced and placed on plates to view the entire crust as soon as registration closed.

Each category had a “best in” $100 prize sponsored by Maria D State Farm Agency in Fridley. The title sponsor, Financial One Credit Union provided a $1,000 Grand Prize for the Best Overall Pie.

In addition to Baker’s Square, Judges included invited community leaders; City Councilwoman Ann Bolkcom, State Senator Barb Goodwin, and Anoka County Attorney, Tony Palumbo. They were all blown away by the entries.

State senator, Barb Goodwin was delighted to be included, saying “I have been dieting for three days to prepare!”

Original artwork inspired by pies was created by the artists at Banfill-Locke Center for Arts to replace traditional trophies for all the winners, each one as unique as the entries themselves.

Twenty-one pies were pre-registered with the City of Fridley in 2014 and ranged from classics like Apple, and Triple Berry, to Lemon Curd Vanilla Bean Chocolate Mousse. Each contestant brought their creations hopeful to beat out their competition, many spending countless hours in practice sessions or hosting tastings with friends and family in preparation.

After measured judging of all aspects of the pies, a storm of strong winds and rain over took the event tent where everyone huddled together in an attempt to stay dry. It cleared up minutes before the announcement of the winners:

• Jackie Bollinger Best Overall, for Blueberry Cream. When asked what she’s going to do with the money, she said she will share it evenly between her 7 grandkids. (The youngest grandchild shyly peeked out at me during the contest). She lives in Fridley.
• Patricia Hendrickson Best in Cream, for Peanut Butter Fudge Cream.
• Andrea Olson Best in Fruit, for Sour Cream Peach.
• Pamela Phelan Best in Original, “Midsummer Day Dream” a Carmel Macchiato Ice Cream pie. She lost by ONE POINT for Best Overall. Holly Larkin from Baker’s Square said she had never seen a race that close.

Many contestants gave comments of appreciation for the improvements, and are already scheming about next year.

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This event was featured in the Star Tribune with several contestant interviews: http://www.startribune.com/local/north/265408561.html?page=all&prepage=2&c=y#continue

To learn more about Financial One Credit Union: www.FinancialOneCU.com

To learn more about Maria D State Farm Agency in Fridley: www.MariaDAgency.com

To learn more about Banfill-Locke Center for the Arts: www.Banfill-Locke.org

To learn more about Baker’s Square Northtown Blaine: www.bakerssquare.com/locations/220221