<p>Judges rate the entries in the Grant County Fair's 2011 pie-baking contest.</p>

JOHN DAY – Several spectators wondered how they could become a pie baking judge as they watched chairman Lois Wacken of John Day slice into each of the eight luscious pies entered in the 2011 Grant County’s Best Pie Maker Contest at the fair Aug. 24.

“They’re all very good,” said Joyce Nodine of John Day.

“They can bake me a pie anytime,” said Dean, her husband.

Beth Simonsen filled in as judge for her dad, the late Roger Simonsen.

She was especially impressed when she discovered a pie on her plate was still warm from the oven.

Other judges were Neva Koebrick and John Engelhardt of Dayville.

Judging was based on the taste, texture and looks of the pie crusts and filling.

LaRue Broughton and her daughter Sharla Bentley competed with each other in the contest – the judges had no idea beforehand who had made any of the pies.

The two ladies each won a prize with Broughton capturing first and $50 for a Strawberry Rhubarb Pie and Bentley second and $25 for a Peach Raspberry Pie in the double crust category.

Tiina Allas of Monument won second place and $25 in the single-crust category for her Apricot Walnut Pie.

“It’s fun,” she said. “I made it out of my head.” She noted that a neighbor offered apricots from her tree for the recipe.

Wacken, chairman for at least eight years, said this will be her last year to serve in the position. Fair board member Carolyn Mullin of Prairie City was her assistant this year.

The pies were later auctioned off at the Talent Search, the proceeds benefiting the fairgrounds.

Pie Baking Contest results:

Single Crust

Aysa Hensley, 1, $50, Apricot

Tiina Allas, 2, $25, Apricot Walnut

Double Crust

LaRue Broughton, 1, $50, Strawberry Rhubarb

Sharla Bentley, 2, $25, Peach Raspberry

Trace Andrew, 3, $15, Triple Apple