The annual Pie and Cake Contest at the Union County Heritage Festival was a huge hit this year, drawing an impressive 27 delicious entries from local bakers eager to show off their culinary talents. The sweet aroma of pies and cakes filled the air as judges sampled everything from fruit-filled creations to rich chocolate delights.

In the Pie Contest, Kathy Venturella took home the title of Grand Champion Pie and a $100 prize with her show-stopping Lemon Meringue Pie.

Pie Category Winners:
Fruit: 1st Place – Kathy Venturella, Lemon Meringue Pie – $50 Winner, 2nd Place – Brittany Bowlin, Caramel Apple Crumb Pie, 2nd Place – Gracie Tindell, Cherry Pie and 3rd Place – Janie Hamilton, Snickerdoodle Cream Cheese Apple Pie

Nut/Other: 1st Place – Brittany Bowlin, Walnut Maple Pie – $50 Winner and 2nd Place – Faith Tindell, Chocolate Pecan Pie

Cream: 1st Place – Tammy Silvers-Haller, Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie – $50 Winner, 2nd Place – Shannon DeWitt, 33 Special Black Bottom Custard Pie and 3rd Place – Kathy Venturella, Chocolate Cream Pie

In the Cake Contest, Brittany Bowlin earned top honors as the Grand Champion Cake winner and $100 prize for her decadent Pecan Upside Down Cake.

Cake Category Winners:
Layered Cake: 1st Place – Mary Catherine Tenkman, S’mores Cake – $50 Winner, 2nd Place – Gracie Nirmaier, Caramel Apple Cider Cake and 3rd Place – Shannon DeWitt, 33 Special Chocolate Caramel Cake

Bundt Cake: 1st Place – Mary Catherine Tenkman, Rustic Pumpkin Bundt Cake – $50 Winner, 2nd Place – Brittany Bowlin, Pecan Upside Down Cake and 3rd Place – Bristol Sweet, Banana Bundt Cake

Sheet Cake: 1st Place – Jude Firkin, Gluten-Free Pumpkin Sheet Cake – $50 Winner

A special thank you goes out to our wonderful judges for lending their time and taste buds!

The success of this year’s contest would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of the Union County FCE members who volunteered throughout the event. Their efforts ensured a smooth and enjoyable day for everyone involved.

We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to our generous sponsors who made the event possible: Realty Executives Tammie Hill for sponsoring the Pie Contest and Benchmark Physical Therapy of Maynardville, TN for sponsoring the Cake Contest.

This year’s contest truly highlighted the spirit of community, creativity, and good old-fashioned home baking that makes Union County such a special place.