Clash of the Pie-Tins: Bucktown Apple Pie Contest Ringing in Fall Season

Believed to be the largest competition devoted solely to celebrating apple pie, the 9th Annual Bucktown Apple Pie Contest will see more than 125 amateur bakers battle it out for culinary supremacy and bragging rights on Oct. 30.

This year's theme stresses the competitive nature of the event, but the contest hasn't lost sight of its goals of celebrating the community and the season. In fact, "Clash of the Pie-Tins" was suggested by former contestant and 2013 judge Emily Miller, and it immediately found fans within the organizing committee.

The event is something that Ms. Miller and her husband look forward to each year. 

"The Bucktown Apple Pie Contest has, for us, made fall a mythic adventure of apple picking, coming up with elaborate themes for our pies, and late nights comparing the effects of lard and butter in a crust and how different varieties of apples bake down,” she said. “Also a little good-natured trash-talking with our friends and neighbors on Twitter."

Other judges this year include Chicago Tribune food writer Bill Daley, Chopping Block owner Shelley Young, and Murphy MacDonald, whose "Rustic Apple Pie" captured first place at the contest in 2012.

This year's poster is a hand drawn work of art by local artist Jason Castillo. The poster is a departure from previous years' posters, hoping to capture the competitive spirit of the contest while recognizing the folksy heart of the event. Prints may be purchased the day of the event.

A fundraiser organized by the Friends of Holstein Park, the Bucktown Apple Pie Contest started in 2005 with 50 bakers and raised $1,800. This year's event is expected to draw over 2,000 Chicagoans eager to taste the results, with the goal of raising $15,000 for park improvements, safety and community-building initiatives. Contestants can pride themselves on the fact that their hard work will benefit a jewel of the Chicago Park District.

Registration is currently open. Hopefuls may register online, the entry fee for contestants is $25 and they are required to bring two pies. The contest is always looking for volunteers; those interested may contact Shannon at bapcvolunteers@gmail.com.

Admission is free, and non-bakers can put their own taste buds up against the judges' by purchasing slices of the entries. The day is about Chicago families and residents coming together to enjoy a beautiful park, a beautiful fall day, and a lot of beautiful apple pies.