On Sunday November 12, a sweet and spicy aroma will waft through the library. For the first time in four years, as many as twenty local bakers will enter the Grand Alley, their hearts and souls and hours of effort baked into flaky pastry as they vie for the crown in the return of the Chelmsford Public Library Apple Pie Contest. 

An expert panel of local luminaries with sharp eyes and refined palates will be the proving ground for delicious pies from home kitchens all over the community. Join us in this fun feasting tradition for the whole family.  

For a recipe so seemingly simple, there are a thousand variations. What is the secret to your apple pie? Is it the zip of lemon zest? The richness of brown sugar? The delicate crumble of a shortening crust? Cortland, Granny Smith, McIntosh apples, or a combination? What is your unique spice mélange?  

RULES:  

• All pies are to be homemade, with a homemade double crust.  

• Pie filling must be just apples, with no other fruit such as raisins, cranberries, etc. with the exception of flavorings such as citrus juice or zest.  
• Recipe must accompany the pie, including the type of apple(s) used. 
• Contestants pre-register online on or before November 9.
• Contestants are asked to bring pies promptly at 1 PM when the library opens. 
• Judging will be held from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.  

• Winners will be announced following the judging with ribbons and prizes awarded.  
• The general public will then be invited to feast on apple pie and apple cider. (You do not have to enter to come.)  

There will be a People’s Choice Award for the most popular home-baked pie, voted on by attendees. And, all guests are also welcome to vote in the Best Store-Bought class. Five local supermarket pies will vie for your votes in a blind taste-test.  

Join us beginning at 2:00 p.m. for feasting and festivity, supported by the Friends of the Library and freshly baked by your community! 

 If you would like to join the roster of bakers vying for fabulous prizes, you can use the registration form below, or contact jkenny@chelmsfordlibrary.org for more information. Participation is limited to the first 20 applicants. Please register soon! The deadline is Thursday, November 9!