"In Pie We Crust" - Celebrating the (Pie) Tin Anniversary Of the 10th Annual Bucktown Apple Pie Contest

CHICAGO, Sept. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Believed to be the largest competition devoted solely to celebrating apple pie, the Bucktown Apple Pie Contest celebrates its tenth year on Sunday, October 19, 2014. More than 125 amateur bakers are expected to battle it out for culinary supremacy and bragging rights.

A fundraiser organized by the Friends of Holstein Park, the first Bucktown Apple Pie Contest was held in 2005. Organizers wanted to create something that embodied small-town charm, honored the neighborhood, and benefited Holstein Park. After some thought, they decided on apple pie – no tarts or crumbles allowed, just double-crust apple pie. "When you narrow the field down to one item and the same basic ingredients," founding co-organizer Martha Ring explained, "it becomes about the baker's ability and not about a flash in the pan."

That first contest drew 50 bakers and raised $1,800; the organizers were astounded by the turn out, and it's only gotten bigger since. Ms. Ring knew when it started that the contest would grow and change as the years went on, but "the one aspect that should always remain is that this is a celebration of the park as a center for a community and that is what the contest should always be about." This year's event is expected to draw over 2,000 eager Chicagoans, 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. Free to attend, the event raises money by charging for slices of all of the fresh-baked entries.

Among those judging the contest this year will be Executive Director of the American Pie Council Linda Hoskins, Chicago Tribune food and features writer Bill Daley, and Chopping Block owner Shelley Young.

This year's poster is a hand-drawn work by local artist Tram Nguyen. Ms. Nguyen illustrates a food blog, Pen and Palate, which was recognized by Saveur Magazine as a 2014 Best Food Blog Award winner.

Registration is currently open. Hopefuls may register online at bucktownapplepiecontest.com/event-registration/. The entry fee for contestants is $25 and they are required to bring two pies. The contest is always looking for day-of volunteers; those interested in helping may contact Kathy Rice at [email protected].

About Friends of Holstein Park Friends of Holstein Park is a not-for-profit Advisory Council established in 2003 to improve, preserve, and protect the functionality, safety, and atmosphere of Holstein Park and Senior Citizens Park, making it a wonderful environment to play and learn.  Visit friendsofholsteinpark.com for more information.  

The Bucktown Apple Pie Contest Information
Holstein Park at 2200 N. Oakley Avenue in Chicago
Sunday, October 19, 2014, from 2:00-5:00 p.m.
Admission to the event is free
Please visit bucktownapplepiecontest.com for further information
"Like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @ApplePieContest

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140923/147754

SOURCE Friends of Holstein Park