Apple Pie Contest FAQ
We thought it might be helpful to share our responses to some common questions we’ve been asked about the pie contest in past years:
Is this an apple pie eating contest?
No, it’s an apple pie baking contest that anyone can enter. Check out the “Entry/Rules” and “Judging – How It Works” sections of this website to learn more about the process. If you want to eat apple pie, we need you too! After the judging, all of the homemade pies are available for sale, either in slices or whole. We just won’t keep track of how much you eat or how fast, which is a good thing.
Where do we go to turn in our pie?
Come in to the field house at Holstein Park (2200 N. Oakley) and head up to the 2nd floor auditorium. We will point you in the right direction from there!
Should the pie be brought at room temperature or warm?
This is up to you. But please know that, in the past, some of our winners brought their pies in hot, and others made their pies the day before. So we don’t think that the temperature of the pie upon arrival matters much in determining who the winners are!
What’s the earliest we can turn in our pie?
Pie check-in opens at 10:00am. All pies MUST be received by 11:00am. If you need to make arrangements to drop the pie earlier, send us an email or call Martha at 773-276-0642 and we will work something out. But don’t be LATE or we won’t accept your pie for judging!
Will you REALLY turn my pie away if I’m late?
Yes! We hate to do it, but rules are rules! And it is only fair that all contestants have the same time restrictions. So, allow yourself plenty of time for parking, and be on time!
How will the pies be judged?
See the page entitled “Judging – How it Works” for details.
Can I bake my pies in non-disposable pans if I’m all right with not getting the pans back?
Yes, if you don’t mind losing your pan, you are welcome to bake the pie in a different kind of pan. But, based on past years winners, some in disposable pans, some not, we do not believe it impacts the outcome of the contest.
Why do we need to pay an entry fee?
This is a fundraiser for the park. But before we start raising money for the park, we have to pay for the expenses of the event. Your entry fees help make this event possible! So, thanks so much for helping us out!
Why do we need to bake 2 pies?
Because there are multiple rounds of judging, we need 2 pies from each contestant so that appearance of the whole pie can be judged in each round. When you arrive at pie check-in, we will ask you which pie you would like to be your “appearance” pie. That one will remain uncut as long as you are still a contender to win!
Do we get to taste any of the competitors’ pies?
Yes. Since you’ve paid an entry fee, you will receive 6 tickets (enough for 2 slices of pie), so you’ll get to check out the competition!
Is this event kid friendly?
Yes! The Apple Pie Contest is for all ages! And we are having a pumpkin painting section, thanks to the folks from Bucktown Arts Fest, as well as other kid activities!
Is this event pet friendly?
No. Pets are not allowed in the Field House. Sorry!
What if I need to cancel and not participate in the contest?
If your plans have changed and for some reason you won’t be able to attend, let us know so that we can allow others to register! Unfortunately, we will not be able to return your entry fee, but at least it goes to Holstein Park – a great cause!
