NORTH READING — Who bakes the most delicious classic apple pie in town? It’s time to start practicing your pie crimping and dust off your favorite recipe because the North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society wants you to enter a tasty treat in the upcoming Apple Festival pie contest!
The Society invites all bakers in town—young, old, and in-between—to enter a pie in the contest to be held during the 31st Annual North Reading Apple Festival which will be held from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 20 at the Rev. Daniel Putnam House, 27 Bow St. (Rain date: Sunday, Sept. 21).
Starting at 11 a.m., a three-person panel will blind judge all pie entries on appearance, texture, and taste. Winners and runners-up (adult and youth) will be announced at noon, followed by a presentation of ribbons and prizes.
Official Classic Apple Pie contest rules (please read carefully!): This is a walk-up contest — no pre-registration required. Contest is open to North Reading residents only. Youth entrants must be between ages 12-17. Adult entrants must be 18 years of age or older. Pies must be made from scratch. Top and bottom crusts are required. No crumb crusts. No nuts, raisins, cranberries, or other fruits are allowed.
Pies must be at room temperature — please give your pie time to cool before the contest. Lattice pastry work, decorative cutouts, and decorations with food coloring and/or sugars are permitted. Please attach a piece of paper to the bottom of the entry pie that has the entrant’s name, address, phone number, and (if youth), age.
Please deliver contest pies to the Putnam House from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on the day of the Apple Festival. If using a non-disposable pie plate, please pick it up by 3 p.m.
Since 1995, the Society has organized the Apple Festival to celebrate our town’s bygone orchards and raise funds to preserve and protect North Reading history. This year, the Apple Festival will feature 50+ local artists, crafters, and vendors, apple pie and ice cream, live, local entertainment, gift card and 50/50 raffles, lots of food and drink (including hot cider), pony rides, face painting and games for children, as well as a silent auction of local artwork. The 1720 Putnam House, Farm Museum, West Village School House, First Meeting House, and Sgt. Flint House and Tin and Cobbler’s Shop will also be open to the public.
For more information about the Apple Festival, check out the Society’s website (nreadinghistory.org) or send an email to: apple@nreadinghistory.org. Happy baking!