Blueberry pie competition demonstrates technique, tradition

FARMINGTON – Equipped with forks and scoring sheets, three judges settled in Wednesday afternoon to pick the best blueberry pie. Sponsored by Franklin County Farm Bureau, it was the second annual pie competition hosted at the Exhibition Hall, contributing to the 172nd Farmington Fair.

“The Farmington Fair offers the past and the present all in one place.” said Tom Saviello. “It’s historical perspective.” Tom Saviello is the state senator and one of the judges for the competition.

Saviello was joined by two culinary art students, Richie Storer and Eli Luker from Foster Technology Center. Entries were graded by their crust, filling and clarity of their recipes. Pam Harnden, the Franklin County Farm Bureau’s president, oversaw the process and explained the judges’ responsibilities.

“Last year it was apple, this year it’s blueberry,” she said. “We try to feature pies with ingredients that are produced locally.” The pie competition was previously hosted by the Maine Antique Tractor Truck show but it was moved to the Franklin County Fair in order to draw in more participation.

The Franklin County Agricultural Society has a history of hosting local competitions at the Farmington Fair. The pie contest was held on the second floor of the Exhibition Hall where numerous winning entries of past competitions are stored: ceramics, baby articles, quilts, wood sculptures, junior drawings and – of course – baked goods.

“It’s tradition. Even if technology changes the process, the spirit remains the same.” Saviello said “Both agriculture and history are reflected in the Farmington Fair. It’s a real honor to be a part of it.”

The first place ribbon went to Janet O’Neil of Farmington. Second place went to Mary McKenney of Wilton and third place was declared a tie between Lois King and Arlene Welch, both of Jay.

After having the winning recipes added to the Exhibition Hall of fame, the pies were auctioned off at the fairgrounds, raising $50 for local food pantries.