It’s time for the annual pecan pie/dessert contest.
Pierce County Chamber of Commerce is looking for entries in the annual pecan pie and dessert contest to be held during the Pecan Festival Saturday, October 22. Registration is open now.
Desserts must be submitted in person by the contestant from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at the newly renovated train depot at the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce the day of the festival. The depot is located at 200 SW Central Avenue in Blackshear.
Early registration entry fee is $10 for the first entry and $5 for each additional entry but $12 and $7, respectively, if registered the day of the event. Participants may have up the three entries.
Desserts must be entered in the name of the person who made the dish.
Contestants must indicate on the registration form if the entry is to be sold and the proceeds donated to the Exchange Club’s charities, or if the entry is to be returned to the contestant after judging. If contestants choose to have entries sold, the entered pies/desserts and the containers become the property of the festival committee and pie plates/pans will not be returned.
As an option, two pies (desserts) may be submitted (one to judge and keep, one to sell for charitable donation).
A complete recipe is not required, but each entry must include a list of ingredients.
Contestants agree photos and contact information may be taken and used for marketing purposes.
Cash prizes will be awarded.
Clough’s Traditional Pecan Pie Grand Champion ($50) and first place ribbon; Traditional Pecan Pie Runner-Up ($25) and second place ribbon; Clough’s Pecan Dessert Grand Champion ($55) and first place ribbon; Pecan Dessert Runner-Up ($25) second place ribbon.
BAKING RULES:
All entries must be homemade. (No prepackaged crusts or fillings.)
Pecans must be a primary ingredient.
Entrants in the “Pecan Dessert” category must include the name of the dessert.
No cream based pies or desserts requiring refrigeration are allowed.
Judges will not be from the Pierce County area. Judging will begin around 10 a.m.
Paper plates and disposable forks will be provided but contestants are welcome to bring their own as part of the presentation.
Results will be announced from the main stage in the city park that afternoon.
Judges’ decisions are final and they are not required to provide feedback about their decisions.
Entries will be scored on the following criteria (25 possible points):
• Overall Appearance/Presentation up to five points
• Flavor (aroma, taste, balance of flavoring) up to five points
• Texture/Consistency (evenly baked, doneness) up to five points
• Moistness/Crumb (as applicable to category) up to five points
• Creativity/Originality up to five points.
The festival is sponsored by the Blackshear Exchange Club. The Annual Pecan Pie/Dessert Contest is hosted by the Pierce County Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Clough Pecan.
Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 449-7044 for an entry form.
