The tradition began in 2006 and has become a familiar end-of-summer event for many people in the community. Kathleen has been involved in Medina for years, not only as a piano teacher but also as a Medina Day coordinator. She has hosted plays and performances in her own backyard, often involving young people from the community. The pie competition grew out of that same kind of spirit. It gives people a reason to come together, bring something homemade, catch up with neighbors, and enjoy one last summer gathering before fall begins.

After a hiatus during COVID, the Pie Competition returned with plenty of enthusiasm and some unusual entries. This year, seven pies made it onto the judges’ table. There was peach and strawberry pie, pumpkin creme pie, vegan peach crumble, blackberry, apple, plum, and other variations on classic flavors. The judging itself was treated with a funny mixture of seriousness and chaos. Judges carefully tasted each pie and discussed the crust, filling, flavor, and overall presentation. At the same time, it was revealed that they were willing to accept bribes, as long as the bribe was over $10. Whether or not any money actually changed hands, the rule quickly became one of the funniest parts of the afternoon.

While the judges worked their way through the entries, everyone else gathered around the tables, talked, sampled pies, and waited for the winners to be announced. Kids moved back and forth looking for extra pieces, and a few family dogs sat nearby hoping someone would drop a crust. One of Kathleen’s piano students played music in the backyard, which gave the event a relaxed, and late summer feeling. There was plenty of debate about which pie deserved to win. People compared crusts, fillings, sweetness, and texture, sometimes with much more seriousness than anyone expected from a neighborhood pie contest. Still, even the pies that did not win were eaten quickly. By the end of the competition, most of the plates were nearly empty.

Then the victors were revealed. Laura Drumheller won the overall competition with a blackberry pie made from locally picked berries. The pie had a buttery crust and a sweet-tart filling that stood out to the judges. Joneja Pam took first place in the fruit category with a peach crumble that, strangely enough, tasted just like mango sticky rice. My own blackberry pie won the berry category, while Donna Shuman’s pumpkin creme pie, flavored with cinnamon and clove, won the “other” category.

 As the afternoon came to a close, ribbons were handed out and people stayed around talking, even after the official judging had ended. Kathleen Higgins’ Pie Competition may technically be about finding the best pie, but winning is only one part of it. For nearly two decades, the event has brought people in Medina together at the end of summer. It is simple, slightly competitive, sometimes ridiculous, and always full of pie.

Judging by the empty plates, that tradition is doing just fine.