October
8, 2007No hurt fillings, but pie contest takes a
hiatus
No, it’s not a punishment — the popular 12th
Street “Eat Dessert First” pie contest is going on hiatus this
year.
Brian Shortt, of Shortt Supply on the
Heights, founder of the event, said that organizers decided that
the event didn’t raise enough money to justify the amount of
work that went into it, so for this year, at least, it is a
no-go.
The contest has been held for the last six
years as a fun event that would also benefit the Helping Hands
Against Violence women’s shelter. Shortt said that Helping Hands
considered trying to take on the project, but decided it really
didn’t have the resources.
The first event, in 2001, offered $100 for
the best apple pie. In 2002 that prize grew to $1,000.
Eventually a second $1,000 prize was added, for best pear pie,
and by 2005 there were three events — apple pie, pear pie and
“other desserts” — each with a $1,000 award.
Shortt originally came up with the idea for the event as a
way to support the local fruit industry (entries must be made
from local fruit) and have a little fun at the same time —
judges have been prepared to accept bribes, heartbreaking
stories and verbal coercion in their selection process.
