David Laughlin
The Duncan Banner
DUNCAN —
Many attributes go into an award winning pie. Every morsel and every crumb of the pie in question is examined by a judge. The judge is responsible to deliver a non-biased, accurate assessment of each pie. The monetary value of each award winning, hand crafted pie may not put much of a pad in a budget. But, the intrinsic value of an award winning pie is far greater than anything money can buy, just ask the winners at the Stephens County Free Fair.
Nearly 30 pies, 21 adult entries and 7 youth, comprised the morning main attraction Friday at the Stephens County Fair and Expo Center. On the stage, tables bore the weight of the desserts, all 28, on a table behind the judges. From rhubarb to pumpkin, almost every pie imaginable was represented in the contest.
Similar pies were grouped together so the judges could determine the best out of every group. Group by group, the table holding all the entries began to diminish as the judges tasted a bite out of every entry.
Frances Ann Jackson of Ringling and Lisa Taylor of Waurika held the most rewarding and challenging positions in the event, judges. Allowed to take a bite of every pie was a two-edged sword for the judging duo. Both judges expressed the difficulty in not returning for a second bite on the tastiest pies.
While the judges made their way through the pies, critiques, all positive, were doled out liberally from the duo. The tips ranged from actual contents of the pie to baking time.
Rachael Stephenson, 9, of Marlow, created the best pie in the youth category. Stephenson made a “Mud Pie.” Stephenson credits her mother Ruby for her prowess in the kitchen. Even though she said her mother taught her, she said her mother didn’t offer assistance for the award winning pie. The judges especially liked Rachael Stephenson creation because the preparation required no hot oven.
“I am so proud of her,” Ruby Stephenson said. “She did so good.”
Erica Crider, 18, of Marlow, was moved to tears when she was announced as the Best Pie Maker for the youth division. “She’s so proud,” Debra Webb, Crider’s mother, said. Julie McKinney of Central High received the same award for the adult division.
Carol Hall hauled in the best pie award for the adult division. Hall created a sweet potato pie. The judge said the preparation of the pie was unique. Normal sweet potato pies, the judge said, are made with mashed sweet potatoes. Hall’s concoction sported unmashed potatoes.
Brenda Gandy, OSU Extension Educator, said the pie entries were down this year. She attributed the health of some annual participants and their inability to participate as the reason for the lower-than-average turnout.
“It’s been a great event so far,” she said. “We have had a pretty good turnout and the pies were delicious.”
— David Laughlin is a reporter for The Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354, Ext. 144, or via e-mail at david.laughlin@duncanbanner.com.
