Apple Pie Baking Contest

Do you have a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations? Or perhaps you’ve crafted the perfect pie through your own culinary creativity? The Central Washington State Fair invites bakers of all ages to showcase their talents in our annual Apple Pie Baking Contest! In 2026, Food Network TV personality Sandra Lee will judge the finalists in each category.

ENTER HERE!

CONTEST INFORMATION
All participants will bake two identical, double-crust apple pies. As a thank you for your participation, each contestant will receive two complimentary Fair tickets when you drop off your pies to enjoy the day’s festivities.

CATEGORIES
Adult (ages 18 and older)
Youth (ages 5-17)

PRIZES
Adult
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $100

Youth
1st Place: $250
2nd Place: $150
3rd Place: $75

WHEN
Finalists will be judged and winners announced at 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026

WHERE
Central Washington State Fair's Pacific Power Community Stage

HOW TO ENTER

• Enter by Saturday, Sept. 17.
• Pay $10 entry fee (you may pay in person).
• Bake both pies in disposable containers.
• Label both pies with the recipe label provided.
• Deliver both pies to the fairgrounds via the Gold Lot between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.

RULES

• Recipes are required for all entries. Download the recipe card here.
• Recipes become property of the Central Washington State Fair.
• Items without recipes will be disqualified.
• Exhibitors provide and use their own apples, with the freedom to choose any variety.
• All exhibits must be the work of the exhibitor.
• Pies must be delivered in disposable containers within the designated time frame.
• Containers will not be returned.
• No packaged mixes allowed.
• State Fair Park reserves the right to disqualify any entry at its discretion for any reason.
• Participants may enter the competition each year but are not eligible to win first place more than two years in a row.
• Finalists' pies will be auctioned off at a Central Washington Fair Association fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 26. Proceeds will go to the Central Washington Fair Association.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Our expert panel of judges will evaluate pies based on:

Taste (50 points): Flavor balance, apple quality, and seasoning.

Texture (25 points): Crust consistency and apple tenderness.

Appearance (15 points): Overall presentation and creativity.

Originality (10 points): Unique twists on traditional apple pie.

Get Ready to Bake!

Dust off your rolling pins, cook up your favorite recipe, and join us for a day of delicious fun at the Central Washington State Fair!

ENTER HERE!