From Scratch with Love: Enter the 2025 Pie Championship
We Want to See Your Homemade Pies!
Do you love neighborhood fun and hand-crafted desserts? It’s pretty clear where we stand on the matter. Join us at our 9th Annual Great Midwestern Pie Championship! No, it’s not too late to enter the friendly competition. Open to people of all ages and experience levels in pie-making!
All of The Details
The competition will be hosted during Cactus Club’s Beet Street Fall Festival on Saturday, October 4th, at Palomino Bar.
There will be three main categories: apple, chocolate, and pumpkin. Yum, yum, and yum!
All pies must be handmade, which we all know tastes better anyway. So, no store-bought crusts allowed here!
Pies must be dropped off at Palomino Bar between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., and the winners will be announced at 3 p.m. on the main stage (participants do not need to be present to win)
It’s About More Than Just Pie
We value the art of creating a pie (and dishes, too, of course) from scratch, which is why we encourage you to do the same. There’s something special about the care that goes into transforming each individual ingredient into a cohesive, delicious dessert. What’s even more special? Getting to share the experience with other members from your community. We truly can’t wait to see your pies, but even more, the encounters you have with one another.
We have found that amateur bakers can be just as good as the pros, and sometimes, even better. We can’t wait to see what you’ve got! PIE Inc. Founder Valeri Lucks (pictured) explained how she loves seeing how beautifully decorated the pies always are and looks forward to seeing what people name their masterpieces. “I’m excited to see all of the amazing pies; there are always so many,” Lucks added.
In 2020, Lucks was featured in a podcast episode by Eat Your Heartland Out titled “Coming Together Around Pie”, hosted by Capri Cafaro. In the podcast episode, Lucks discussed her inspiration for starting the contest and gave a brief history lesson on it.
Want to hear all about it?
The Judging Process
Judges will start digging in around 12:30 p.m. Want to see real-time reactions to your dessert? Grab a drink, get cozy in a booth, and watch the magic unfold!
Our very own Pastry Chef Ryan (pictured) is looking forward to participating as a judge in the contest. Ryan explained that he’s always curious to learn about what others do in the kitchen and is excited to see the creativity displayed in the pies.
In 2017, Brock Kaplan was a judge in the competition and showed his delight by explaining, “pie after pie, hitting every note as if they were Fantasia Barrino in season three of American Idol.”
Kaplan also commented on how unique the pies were, explaining there were “apple pies spruced up with not just a classic sprinkle of cinnamon, but also cheddar cheese.”
Want to learn more about what it’s like to be a judge? Visit Milwaukee Magazine to hear about Kaplan’s full experience:
Prizes
All winners will receive a giant, beautiful ribbon that will boast for itself, but of course, we encourage you to brag a little too!
The pie that is deemed the champ of them all, or “Best in Show,” will be awarded a $200 cash prize and a hand-crafted rolling pin from Camino Woodshop.
Even more categories winners:
Best Use of WI Ingredients
Best Dressed (Prettiest Pie)
Most Original Pie
Best Family/Team Pie
Prizes for each pie category:
First Place: $50 gift card
Second Place: $25 gift card
Third Place: $15 gift card
Gift cards are valid at all of our locations!
What Is Beet Street?
Want to bring your friends along who don’t love to whisk away in the kitchen? No problem! Beet Street has something for everyone. Basically, it’s a giant block party hosted by our friends at Cactus Club, complete with music, community organizations, vendors, and more! There truly is something for everyone.
What Are You Waiting For?
Entry is FREE for ALL ages
Register at the Pie Championship page today!
Need a fix in the meantime?
Stop in for a slice and get inspired!